Involuntary absent fathers? * separated fathers with disputed child custody or visitation rights

Abstract

"This paper examines the situation of fathers after separation from their spouse or partner. Using data from six qualitative interviews with fathers who are allowed only limited contact with their children and who find this situation to be stressful, the aim of the study is to reveal the most important stressons and coping behaviour reported by the interviewed men. Results of a qualitative content analysis show that men perceive the relationship and communication with their ex partner to be particularly stressful. Furthermore, from the perspective of fathers a difficult relation-ship to the children's mother can unfavourably affect regulations of child visitation. Finally, the legal situation, including problems with the child custody decision of the family court, is perceived as being burdensome. Among the resources reported to be the most helpful in coping with these stressors are, first of all, support from legal institutions, like courts, or from attorneys, but also from counseling agencies, friends and family members." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Bethmann, A. (2011): Schattenvater wider Willen? Trennungsväter mit strittigem Umgangs- oder Sorgerecht. In: Zeitschrift für Soziologie der Erziehung und Sozialisation, Vol. 31, No. 2, p. 169-185.