De kwaliteit van coparenting na scheiding en het welbevinden van adolescenten.

Abstract

Background: In 2016, more than 86,060 underage children were involved in an informal or formal divorce. This means that the parents of these children are confronted with the concept of coparenting. Given this large number of minors involved, it is important to gain insight into the role of parents and the possible negative effects on the well-being of children after divorce. Aim: To examine the association between coparenting quality after divorce and adolescents' well-being in a Dutch sample, based on the perception of 252 Dutch adolescents aged 11 to 17 of their parents’ coparenting behaviours. In addition, gender as a moderating factor in the association between coparenting quality after divorce and adolescents’ well-being were examined. Method: The Coparenting Behavior Questionnaire was used to investigate three coparenting dimensions: parental communication, parental conflict, and parental respect/cooperation. Adolescents' well-being is measured through five concepts: internalizing- and externalizing problem behaviour, social competence, self-esteem and school performance. Each of these concepts were measured through self-reporting questionnaires. Results: Results indicated a strong link between coparenting quality after divorce and well-being of adolescents. Further, there were some gender differences in reported coparenting quality and average well-being. Except for social competencies, there was no significant moderation role of gender in the association between coparenting quality and adolescents’ well-being. Conclusion: The quality of coparenting after divorce is relevant for adolescents’ well-being, regardless of their gender. Parental conflict and respect/cooperation were the most important dimensions that accounted for adolescents' well-being. Therefore, professionals should focus on reducing parental conflicts and enhancing parental respect/cooperation.