Emotional Victimization

There is some evidence that sole custody arrangements victimise children emotionally by denying them the relationship with two parents that is crucial for reasonably healthy post–divorce adjustment (Nunan 1980; Wallerstein & Kelly 1980; Hetherington 1982). The evidence is clear and convincing upon examination of the research. Fulton (1979), and others (Wallerstein & Kelly 1980; Jacobs 1983; Koch & Lowery 1984; Kelly 1988a), demonstrate assertively that large numbers of post separation children are denied their decreed (and deserved) contact to their non-custodial fathers on many occasions, often with cold and calculating regularity. The reasons are often frivolous and ridiculous and are usually misstated.  

Sources

Nunan S. A. (1980). Joint Custody verses Single Custody Effects On Child Development. Doctoral dissertation, California School of Professional Psychology, Berkely. UMI Order number 81-10142

Wallerstein J. S., & Kelly J. B (1980). Surviving The Breakup: How Children and Parents Cope With Divorce. Basic Books: New York

Hetherington E M, Cox M, & Cox R (1982). Effects of Divorce On Parents and Children. In M E Lamb (Editor), Non Traditional Families: Parenting and Child Relationships. Lawrence Erlbaum: Hillsdale New Jersey.  223-288  

Fulton J. A (1979). Reports of Children’s Post-Divorce Adjustment. Journal of Social Issues. 35: 126-139

Jacobs J. W (1983). Treatment of Divorcing Fathers: Social and Psychotherapeutic Considerations. American Journal of Psychiatry. 140:1294-1299

Koch, M. A. P., & Lowery C. R (1984). Visitation and The Non-Custodial Father. Journal of Divorce. 8: 47-65

Kelly J. B (1988a). Longer-Term Adjustment In Children of Divorce: Converging Findings and Implications For Practice. Journal of Family Psychology. 2: 119-140