Parenting After Divorce or Separation in England & Scotland

The study are looking to recruit parents of 4 – 8 year olds who: (i) have regular contact with their child(ren) and co-parent with their child’s other parent; (ii) do not have a court ordered child arrangement; (iii) have been separated for at least six months; (iv) are comfortable taking part in English; and (v) live in Scotland or England.

This study will take place on a video call, live with a researcher! We will send you a link to an online calendar where you can select a date and time that works for you. The first session is an online interview about your experiences parenting after separation or divorce and a survey on your family life, your wellbeing and your child's development. The second session is for your child and will involve a picture game about their experiences at school and their friends, a story-telling activity about a family of rabbits and an etch-a-sketch game for you and them to do together.

The aim of the study is to increase understanding of family life and child adjustment where parents are sharing parenting after they have separated or divorced. To date research examining child development in the context of joint physical custody has largely taken place in Sweden, Australia and the US, and the voices of children under eight and of families who make arrangements outside of the family courts have been largely overlooked. It is hoped that the current study findings will inform recommendations on how best to support parents and children in England and Scotland during their separation and divorce journeys.

1.5-2 hours

Parents will receive a £15 Love2Shop voucher after their interview if their child is in the age range and is visible at some point. Parents can only take part with one child and therefore only receive one voucher. Your child will receive a £10 Love2Shop gift voucher and certificate as a thank you for their time. The vouchers and certificate will be sent within a week of completing both sessions.