FATHERS PERSPECTIVES OF THEIR CO-PARENTAL RELATIONSHIPS POSTDIVORCE -IMPLICATIONS FOR FAMILY-PRACTICE AND LEGAL REFORM

Data from 225 divorced fathers were used to test the explanatory power of a set of variables in predicting the quality of co-parental relati onships postdivorce. A standard multiple regression analysis revealed that a significant amount of variance in co-parental relationships was explained by five of the ten variables under investigation. Fathers w ho reported more positive relationships with their ex-wives: (a) were more satisfied with their custody arrangements, (b) were more likely t o blame themselves for the breakup of their marriage, (c) discussed a greater number of topics with their ex-wives, (d) had higher education al levels, and (e) reported greater feelings of closeness to their chi ldren before the divorce. Implications of the findings for practice an d legal reform are discussed.