Melinda Stafford Markham
Biographic Data
| ID | 4227033 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Melinda Stafford Markham |
| GIVEN NAMES | Melinda Stafford |
| FAMILY NAME | Markham |
| SIGNATURE | MARKHAM M S |
| AFFILIATIONS | Kansas State University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-4827-381X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 30 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 21 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2011 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2024 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Working on what works
In this commentary, we revisit the current state of research on parenting education programs for divorcing and separating parents and reflect on what scholars have recommended as priorities for future research. We then explore how the collection of articles in this special issue advance those priorities in meaningful ways. Topics addressed include recommendations for parenting education program content, parenting education to better meet families…
The changing landscape of parenting education programs for divorcing and separating parents
This introduction details why there has been an emphasis placed on examining the value and efficacy of divorce and coparenting education programming. A set of articles is then described that, as a collection, provide insight into what is known and where we need to move forward as a field in the best interests of divorcing and separating parents and their children. We highlight seven original articles that provide foundations on this topic and syn…
Rethinking utility in divorce education
For children in the United States, family instability following parental relationship dissolution is common and efforts to promote effective post‐divorce co‐parenting arrangements have grown substantially in recent decades. To help families navigate transitions through the divorce process, most states require divorcing parents to complete divorce education programming. In the present study we used pre‐post data from three divorce education progra…
Experiences of post‐divorce parentification and parental affection
Staying connected after divorce
Bridging Parental Conflict
I Wish I Had Been Told the Truth Sooner”
There has been a long-standing debate on what topics should be included in school-based sexuality education in the USA. The purpose of this research was to identify what college women feel they should have been taught in their school-based sexuality education. Between 2016 and 2017, we collected qualitative survey responses from 90 college women who had completed a human sexuality course at a midwestern US university. Participants reported they w…
Not professional enough to be a therapist
I Wish They Would Have a Class for Parents About Talking to Their Kids About Sex”
Meaning Making and Communication Influences on Perceptions of Sibling Closeness among Emerging Adults
The present study examined information and communication technology usage among emerging adults (n = 330) and the influence of meaning-making on the relationship between communication frequency and sibling closeness. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regressions with sibling closeness and its dimensions (affect, behavior, and cognition) as outcome variables. The results highlighted the importance of the meaning that siblings ascribe to co…
Domains of Ongoing Communication Between Former Spouses
Using data from 708 divorced parents (52.4% mothers), we examined how ongoing communication (i.e., topics and frequency of communication) with former spouses was associated with parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing behavior. Based on hierarchical multiple regression models, ongoing communication was not associated with parenting stress but was associated with child externalizing and internalizing behavior. Specifically, comm…
A Multidimensional Perspective on Former Spouses' Ongoing Relationships
Objective To determine which aspects of divorced parents' ongoing relationships with their former spouses were associated with children's and youth's postdivorce well‐being. Background Research on the associations between former spousal relationships and children's postdivorce well‐being has focused extensively on postdivorce coparenting, with less emphasis on other aspects of these multidimensional relationships. Method Divorced parents ( N = 64…
Lessons From the Field
Objective In this Lessons from the Field, we describe the lessons we learned from developing the Divorce Education Assessment Collaborative (DEAC) and creating a longitudinal evaluation plan for divorce education programs across geographically, programmatically, and format‐diverse programs. Background Although divorce education programs are commonly mandated for divorcing parents, variability in program content, format, and design can make it dif…
Communication technology use in post-divorce coparenting relationships
Divorced parents are increasingly expected to carry out shared physical custody of minor children by maintaining ongoing communication with their ex-spouse. Digital and cellular technologies have created new mediums for divorced parents to carry out communication (e.g., texting, email, and social media). In this study, we identified a typology of divorced parents' use of five communication mediums with their former spouse using latent class analy…
“ Part‐Time Parent”
Objective This qualitative study examined women's identities as mothers when sharing postdivorce physical custody of children. Background The increase in divorced parents sharing physical custody can create challenges, especially for women whose identity is manifested through the social position of mother. Although researchers have investigated children's outcomes in connection with shared physical custody, little is known regarding the effects o…
Parental Academic Involvement and Youth Well-Being in Post-Divorce Families
Using data from 340 divorced parents (58.2% mothers) with a child between 10- and 18-years-old, we tested if parental academic involvement was associated with youth post-divorce well-being. Results demonstrated that mothers’ academic involvement was associated with less youth internalizing and externalizing behavior. Additionally, fathers’ academic involvement was associated with less youth externalizing behavior. We also tested if parental warmt…
Treating Financial Conflict in Couples Through a Bowenian Lens
Postdivorce Coparenting Relationships and Parent-Youth Relationships
Using data from 392 divorced mothers and fathers, living in the United States, with a child between 10 and 18 years old, we first identified three types of postdivorce coparenting relationships ( cooperative, moderately engaged, and conflictual and disengaged) based on coparenting communication, cooperation, and conflict. We then tested if three aspects of parent-youth relationships differed between those groups. Parental warmth and support, pare…
Experiences With Coparenting Scale
Using data from 280 divorced or separated parents, we provide initial evidence of the psychometric properties and validity of the Experiences with Coparenting Scale (ECS), an 11-item semantic differential measure of divorced parents' satisfaction with their coparenting relationships. The ECS consisted of a single factor with high internal reliability. ECS scores were significantly associated with self-reported coparenting behaviors and intentions…
Communication Among Parents Who Share Physical Custody After Divorce or Separation
This study produces a grounded theory of the process of communication with former partners for 30 men and women who share physical and legal custody of their children following divorce or separation. The formality of the custody arrangement was the core factor that influenced the ways in which study participants established and maintained boundaries regarding when, how, and what they communicated with their former partners. Other factors that pla…
Predicting Postdivorce Coparental Communication
The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes and beliefs that predicted frequency of coparental communication and intentions to coparent for 203 divorced mothers and 124 fathers. Mothers and fathers who held positive perceptions of coparenting communicated more often with their former partner than did other parents. Mothers who perceived social encouragement to coparent and who perceived greater control over their abilities to coparent comm…
Communication technology use in post-divorce coparenting relationships
Divorced parents are increasingly expected to carry out shared physical custody of minor children by maintaining ongoing communication with their ex-spouse. Digital and cellular technologies have created new mediums for divorced parents to carry out communication (e.g., texting, email, and social media). In this study, we identified a typology of divorced parents' use of five communication mediums with their former spouse using latent class analy…
Communication Among Parents Who Share Physical Custody After Divorce or Separation
This study produces a grounded theory of the process of communication with former partners for 30 men and women who share physical and legal custody of their children following divorce or separation. The formality of the custody arrangement was the core factor that influenced the ways in which study participants established and maintained boundaries regarding when, how, and what they communicated with their former partners. Other factors that pla…
Postdivorce Coparenting Relationships and Parent-Youth Relationships
Using data from 392 divorced mothers and fathers, living in the United States, with a child between 10 and 18 years old, we first identified three types of postdivorce coparenting relationships ( cooperative, moderately engaged, and conflictual and disengaged) based on coparenting communication, cooperation, and conflict. We then tested if three aspects of parent-youth relationships differed between those groups. Parental warmth and support, pare…
Experiences With Coparenting Scale
Using data from 280 divorced or separated parents, we provide initial evidence of the psychometric properties and validity of the Experiences with Coparenting Scale (ECS), an 11-item semantic differential measure of divorced parents' satisfaction with their coparenting relationships. The ECS consisted of a single factor with high internal reliability. ECS scores were significantly associated with self-reported coparenting behaviors and intentions…
Meaning Making and Communication Influences on Perceptions of Sibling Closeness among Emerging Adults
The present study examined information and communication technology usage among emerging adults (n = 330) and the influence of meaning-making on the relationship between communication frequency and sibling closeness. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regressions with sibling closeness and its dimensions (affect, behavior, and cognition) as outcome variables. The results highlighted the importance of the meaning that siblings ascribe to co…
Treating Financial Conflict in Couples Through a Bowenian Lens
Predicting Postdivorce Coparental Communication
The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes and beliefs that predicted frequency of coparental communication and intentions to coparent for 203 divorced mothers and 124 fathers. Mothers and fathers who held positive perceptions of coparenting communicated more often with their former partner than did other parents. Mothers who perceived social encouragement to coparent and who perceived greater control over their abilities to coparent comm…
Experiences With Coparenting Scale
Using data from 280 divorced or separated parents, we provide initial evidence of the psychometric properties and validity of the Experiences with Coparenting Scale (ECS), an 11-item semantic differential measure of divorced parents' satisfaction with their coparenting relationships. The ECS consisted of a single factor with high internal reliability. ECS scores were significantly associated with self-reported coparenting behaviors and intentions…
Communication Among Parents Who Share Physical Custody After Divorce or Separation
This study produces a grounded theory of the process of communication with former partners for 30 men and women who share physical and legal custody of their children following divorce or separation. The formality of the custody arrangement was the core factor that influenced the ways in which study participants established and maintained boundaries regarding when, how, and what they communicated with their former partners. Other factors that pla…
Postdivorce Coparenting Relationships and Parent-Youth Relationships
Using data from 392 divorced mothers and fathers, living in the United States, with a child between 10 and 18 years old, we first identified three types of postdivorce coparenting relationships ( cooperative, moderately engaged, and conflictual and disengaged) based on coparenting communication, cooperation, and conflict. We then tested if three aspects of parent-youth relationships differed between those groups. Parental warmth and support, pare…
“ Part‐Time Parent”
Objective This qualitative study examined women's identities as mothers when sharing postdivorce physical custody of children. Background The increase in divorced parents sharing physical custody can create challenges, especially for women whose identity is manifested through the social position of mother. Although researchers have investigated children's outcomes in connection with shared physical custody, little is known regarding the effects o…
Parental Academic Involvement and Youth Well-Being in Post-Divorce Families
Using data from 340 divorced parents (58.2% mothers) with a child between 10- and 18-years-old, we tested if parental academic involvement was associated with youth post-divorce well-being. Results demonstrated that mothers’ academic involvement was associated with less youth internalizing and externalizing behavior. Additionally, fathers’ academic involvement was associated with less youth externalizing behavior. We also tested if parental warmt…
Treating Financial Conflict in Couples Through a Bowenian Lens
A Multidimensional Perspective on Former Spouses' Ongoing Relationships
Objective To determine which aspects of divorced parents' ongoing relationships with their former spouses were associated with children's and youth's postdivorce well‐being. Background Research on the associations between former spousal relationships and children's postdivorce well‐being has focused extensively on postdivorce coparenting, with less emphasis on other aspects of these multidimensional relationships. Method Divorced parents ( N = 64…
Lessons From the Field
Objective In this Lessons from the Field, we describe the lessons we learned from developing the Divorce Education Assessment Collaborative (DEAC) and creating a longitudinal evaluation plan for divorce education programs across geographically, programmatically, and format‐diverse programs. Background Although divorce education programs are commonly mandated for divorcing parents, variability in program content, format, and design can make it dif…
Communication technology use in post-divorce coparenting relationships
Divorced parents are increasingly expected to carry out shared physical custody of minor children by maintaining ongoing communication with their ex-spouse. Digital and cellular technologies have created new mediums for divorced parents to carry out communication (e.g., texting, email, and social media). In this study, we identified a typology of divorced parents' use of five communication mediums with their former spouse using latent class analy…
Not professional enough to be a therapist
I Wish They Would Have a Class for Parents About Talking to Their Kids About Sex”
Meaning Making and Communication Influences on Perceptions of Sibling Closeness among Emerging Adults
The present study examined information and communication technology usage among emerging adults (n = 330) and the influence of meaning-making on the relationship between communication frequency and sibling closeness. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regressions with sibling closeness and its dimensions (affect, behavior, and cognition) as outcome variables. The results highlighted the importance of the meaning that siblings ascribe to co…
Domains of Ongoing Communication Between Former Spouses
Using data from 708 divorced parents (52.4% mothers), we examined how ongoing communication (i.e., topics and frequency of communication) with former spouses was associated with parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing behavior. Based on hierarchical multiple regression models, ongoing communication was not associated with parenting stress but was associated with child externalizing and internalizing behavior. Specifically, comm…
I Wish I Had Been Told the Truth Sooner”
There has been a long-standing debate on what topics should be included in school-based sexuality education in the USA. The purpose of this research was to identify what college women feel they should have been taught in their school-based sexuality education. Between 2016 and 2017, we collected qualitative survey responses from 90 college women who had completed a human sexuality course at a midwestern US university. Participants reported they w…
Working on what works
In this commentary, we revisit the current state of research on parenting education programs for divorcing and separating parents and reflect on what scholars have recommended as priorities for future research. We then explore how the collection of articles in this special issue advance those priorities in meaningful ways. Topics addressed include recommendations for parenting education program content, parenting education to better meet families…
The changing landscape of parenting education programs for divorcing and separating parents
This introduction details why there has been an emphasis placed on examining the value and efficacy of divorce and coparenting education programming. A set of articles is then described that, as a collection, provide insight into what is known and where we need to move forward as a field in the best interests of divorcing and separating parents and their children. We highlight seven original articles that provide foundations on this topic and syn…
Rethinking utility in divorce education
For children in the United States, family instability following parental relationship dissolution is common and efforts to promote effective post‐divorce co‐parenting arrangements have grown substantially in recent decades. To help families navigate transitions through the divorce process, most states require divorcing parents to complete divorce education programming. In the present study we used pre‐post data from three divorce education progra…
Experiences of post‐divorce parentification and parental affection
Staying connected after divorce
Bridging Parental Conflict
Psychology (21 works) · Developmental psychology (17 works) · Social Psychology (17 works) · Family Dynamics and Relationships (16 works) · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving (13 works) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics (9 works) · Reproductive Health and Technologies (8 works) · Sociology (7 works) · Coparenting (6 works) · Social Psychology (6 works)