Nonresidential father perception of father-child relationships: An exploratory analysis of family functioning

Nonresidential father experiences of family life wHh their children lack attention in the literature. Nonresidential fathers often suffer considerably, as they attempt to continue their parenting role with limited access lime. Consequently, their relationships with their children may suffer, sometimes resulting In visitation ceasing altogether. Father contact is important to the developmental and psychological well-being of children, yet is often hindered by restricted access, distance, parental conflict and the father's emotional state. Nonresidential father perspectives of family life wHh their children are explored in this study, to gain insight into nonresidential father experiences. This study replicated a study conducted by S. A. Esposito (1995) and extended it through an exploratory analysis of family functioning. A multime'. nod approach, recommended for family research, incorporated quantitative and quaiHative methodology. A purposive sample included 46 nonresidential fathers, recru~ed through various means. FIVe participants were randomly chosen from the main sample for interviewing. The study is in two sections, the replication involving a survey questionnaire, correlational research, cross sectional design and the exploratory analysis, which Involved semi-structured face to face Interviews. Two hypotheses suggested that cohesion and adaptabiiHy in the nonresidential father-child family would be predicted by the quality of parental interactions and the quality of father-child interactions. Cohesion and adaptabiiHy are measures of family functioning according to the Circumplex Model for Marital and Family Systems. The exploratory Nonresidential Father-Child Families 3 analysis provided explanations of findings from the study and Information regarding the suitability of the model for nonresidential father-child families. The quality of father-child Interactions did predict cohesion In the nonresidential father-child family, but not adaptability. Parental interaction quality did not predict cohesion or adaptability. Some components of the model appear suitable for nonresidential father-child families, while others are considered unsuttable. Suggestions for adapting the model to suit nonresidential father-child families are offered. Valuable insights into nonresidential father experiences offer information for professionals working with divorced families. Several recommendations are given for further research and suggestions for intervention strategies that increase parental awareness are presented. The importance of parental cooperation in decisions regarding children of divorced homes is highlighted. Nonresidential Father-Child Families 4 Declaration I certify that this thesis does not incorporate, without acknowledgment, any material previously submitted for a degree or diploma in any institution of higher education and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it does not contain any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text. Signature: Date: __ )_,/-c_-_ 7"-/~. 7_'7 ___ _ Nonresidential Father-Child Families 5 Acknowledgments Many people have contributed to the process and completion of this thesis, whom I would like to thank. In particular, I would like to thank Us Pike for her excellent supervision under difficult circumstances, her constant support and encouragement and for always being available for me. I would like to thank Professor Don Thomson for his suggestions, guidance and encouragement throughout the year. I would also like to thank Kate Funder ior her offer to support me in Melbourne, and Steve Espostto for his time and cooperation in sending me infonnation about his research. A big thanks to all the other honours students, for helping to make R a memorable year, especially Alison, Josie, Michael & Santina for their continued support, companionship and for all the E-mails. Also, to Elaine Pascoe for helping me work out how to do interactions in my analysis. The Following people have assisted in the process of data collection. I would like to thank ian Rogers, Leslie Thomas, the Ufeline receptionists, Michael Field and Community News, the Lone Fathers Family Support Service, the Men's Health & Well-being Association, the Lone Fathers Association and in Victoria, Parents WRhout Partners and Parents Without Rights. I would also like to thank all the other people who helped find participants and all the fathers who participated in the study. Finally, I would like to thank my daughters, Tenille and Elllesha for their continued support, encouragement and patience with me and my sister, Coralie for her understanding and support. Nonresidential Father-Child Families 6 Table of