| Abstract: | Evaluated child and family outcomes 1 yr after parents had used mediation (n?=?32) or litigation (n?=?26) to settle custody disputes over children aged 2–17 yrs. One year after settlement, parents in mediation showed greater correspondence in perceptions of the settlement process and of their child's problems. Contrary to expectations, there was a greater association between parent and child problems among families in mediation. Child outcomes did not differ in the mediation and litigation groups but did differ according to the level of parental conflict. Custody settlements that promote ongoing contact between parents after divorce may offer both rewards and risks. Children can benefit when the parents' relationship is cooperative, but may suffer when the parents continue to fight. More intensive intervention may be needed to help parents maintain generational boundaries and shelter their children from conflict after divorce. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
