Increasing Our Understanding of Divorced Fathers Who Have Infrequent Contact with Their Children

Abstract

Family-oriented professionals have expressed concern about the decreasing amount of contact that occurs between divorced fathers and their children. This study focuses on 84 fathers with infrequent or no contact with their children. The fathers' views, in particular, provide helpful insights into their circumstances. Four very different sets of circumstances characterize these fathers. The first group is still embroiled in conflicts with their former spouses, apparently stemming from the divorce proceedings. The second group includes fathers who have identified personal problems or barriers. The third group are long-distance parents, and the fourth group have teenage children with busy lives. Suggestions are provided for professionals in helping fathers to maintain and increase their parental roles.