Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Family, Life Course, and Society Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Family, Life Course, and Society

An Exploration Of Non-Residential Fathers' Relationship With Their Children: Working Towards A Positive Psychology Approach, Suzanne Ray Jan 2005

An Exploration Of Non-Residential Fathers' Relationship With Their Children: Working Towards A Positive Psychology Approach, Suzanne Ray

Theses : Honours

In western culture, the majority of fathers become the non-residential parent after separation and it is reported many disengage from their children as time goes on. This review will elucidate the effects of separation on the father role. Within this body of literature there are two dominant ideologies pertaining to fathers – father absence and father importance. The findings from research support that the quality of contact rather than quantity of contact is important for close bonds between non-residential fathers and their children. There are a number of factors that can help or hinder this relationship which are intrinsically linked …


Child Support Following Separation : An Exploratory Study Of Non-Resident Fathers' Views Of The Fairness Of Current Contact And Child Support Payment Practices, Marian C. Cook Jan 2005

Child Support Following Separation : An Exploratory Study Of Non-Resident Fathers' Views Of The Fairness Of Current Contact And Child Support Payment Practices, Marian C. Cook

Theses : Honours

Seven non-resident fathers who were supporting their children from a previous relationship were interviewed to elicit their views on the fairness of current contact and CS arrangements. Most fathers were committed to their parental role and had contact with their children at least every second weekend. Fair contact was that which was flexible around their paid work commitments. Unfair contact was that which was limited by the children's mother. Most fathers viewed their CS as excessive and some had negotiated lower CS than that mandated by legislation. Several fathers wanted a say in how their CS was spent. Some fathers …


Perceived Obligations Of Stepfathers To Financially Support Their Stepchildren; Public Perceptions Of Stepfathers' Obligations To Financially Support Their Stepchildren, Miriam Maclean Jan 2005

Perceived Obligations Of Stepfathers To Financially Support Their Stepchildren; Public Perceptions Of Stepfathers' Obligations To Financially Support Their Stepchildren, Miriam Maclean

Theses : Honours

The present study investigated public perceptions of stepfathers' obligation to financially support stepchildren. Two hundred Australians completed vignette-based questionnaires assessing normative expectations of stepfathers financial contribution. A 2 x 2 x 2 between-subjects design was used to assess the effects of marital status, maternal employment, and prior child support commitments on perceived obligations to stepchildren. Most participants believed stepfathers should contribute financially, but responses varied greatly. Defacto relationships and maternal employment reduced obligation. A significant 3-way interaction was also found. Qualitative responses were analysed from a normative expectations and distributive justice perspective. Findings support the use and integration of these …