Am J Psychiatry 1980; 137:1177-1182
Copyright © 1980 by American Psychiatric Association
The father's parenting experience in divorce
HJ Friedman
The author discusses the father-child relationship as it is influenced by
divorce. Psychiatrists are often consulted by individuals considering
dovorce who are concerned about its probable impact on their children. Data
gathered from the treatment of fathers during divorce indicate that there
can be positive changes in their parental bonds as a result of increased
opportunities to relate to children in a conflict-free atmosphere. In such
a setting, the father's nurturing experience provides him with a new
perspective on parenting. Psychotherapeutic help can lead to a
strengthening of parental bonds, with subsequent benefits to both father
and child. The author encourages professionals to support men in improving
their fathering during the postdivorce period.
