Impact of Relationship Breakdown, Including Abuse and Negotiation of Co-Parenting Arrangements, on Fathers' Mental Health, Help-Seeking, and Coping

Bibliographic Data

ID5933436
AuthorsBenjamin Hine (0000-0001-9732-4631, University of West London), Eilish Mairi Roy (0000-0001-6858-803X, National Crime Agency, London SE11 5EF, UK), C Y Huang (0000-0001-5461-1657, Cambridge Alliance of Legal Psychology, London N14 5BP, UK), Elizabeth Bates (0000-0001-8694-8078, University of Cumbria)
Year2025
Volume14
Issue4
Pages232
Publication date2025-04-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2076-0760 • E-ISSN: 2076-0760
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/socsci14040232
OpenAlexW4409715098
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited74

Background: This study explores the impact of family breakdown, separation, post-separation abuse, and negotiating of co-parenting arrangements on fathers' physical and mental health, as well as their coping mechanisms and experiences of support, both informal and formal. Methods: Using data from a survey of 141 fathers and interviews with 30 participants, we examined the impact of family breakdown on fathers and their children and how they coped and were supported. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results: Findings highlighted four primary themes: the impact on fathers, the impact on children, fathers' strategies for coping, and fathers' experience of formal and informal support. Conclusions: The results indicate that fathers need greater support mechanisms post-separation, in ways that specifically appreciate their unique experiences as men and fathers

Coping (psychology · Developmental psychology · Mental health · Negotiation · Political science · Psychiatry · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology

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