Parents want what is best for their children, and divorce does not change that. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely protect a child from the negative impact of a split.
However, there are ways to minimize and reduce the damage. Handling custody arrangements in a beneficial way is one of the top things to do.
Studies of joint custody benefits
Psychology Today discusses joint custody as a potential option for divorcing parents. Over the years, many studies have indicated that joint custody serves as beneficial for children of divorce in numerous ways.
For example, these studies show that when comparing children of joint custody to children of sole custody, the former have fewer problems with depression and anxiety. The issues reported also seem less severe. They have fewer reports of trauma or stress-based disorders as well.
On top of that, these children have healthier coping mechanisms. They clash with authority less and lash out at peers less often. As adults, they often struggle with fewer addictions and have healthier relationships, romantic and otherwise.
Who it does not work for
Joint custody is not an option that works for every family or situation, though. For example, if a parent does not want to be part of their child’s life or simply cannot be due to incarceration or other issues, then joint custody will not serve as a benefit.
It is also important for parents accused of neglect or abuse to have as little contact with or control over the child in question as possible. In such situations, sole custody will likely have a better outcome despite the findings of these studies.
