Family structure, quality of the co-parental relationship, post-separation parenting and children's socio-emotional wellbeing

Abstract

Using data from 'Growing Up in Australia, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children' (LSAC), it will be possible to study the effects of family structure and parental relationships on a child's social and emotional well being. Parental separation, subsequent single parenthood or remarriage, pre-separation circumstances, post-separation parental hostility and relationship quality, child contact, and other factors impact upon the child's perceived well being. This presentation outlines this research project, and presents findings based on the first two waves of the LSAC data. In particular it compares children from single mother families, re-partnered mother families (i.e biological mother and stepfather), and intact families of two biological parents.