The Relationship Between Custodial Status and Emotional Well-Being Among Recently Divorced Fathers

Abstract

Abstract One purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional well-being and parental status among recently divorced fathers. The emotional well-being of the recently divorced fathers was determined by measures of their self-esteem, depression, and divorce adjustment. Data were collected from 97 fathers in a Midwestern state who had been divorced less than seven (7) months. The recently divorced fathers completed the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Center for Epidemiologie Studies Depression Scale, and the Fisher's Divorce Adjustment Scale. Findings indicated that recently divorced fathers with full and joint physical custody had significantly higher levels of emotional well-being than did recently divorced fathers with noncustodial and joint legal custodial statuses. Implications for mental health professionals, legal professionals, and policy makers along with suggestions for future research were included.