What do studies show about joint custody?

On Behalf of | Jul 7, 2022 | Family Law

Parents always want what is best for their children, which is one thing that makes divorce so difficult. It is impossible to completely shield a child from the damage divorce can do.

It is, however, possible to soften the blow. The form of custody a couple decides on can do a lot to that end.

The benefits of joint custody

Psychology Today focuses on what studies show about children of joint custody and sole custody situations. Studies in recent years continue to show that joint custody children tend to have numerous advantages over children of sole custody.

For example, the rates of reports for anxiety, depression and trauma disorders remain categorically lower among children of joint custody. Those cases that do get reported also have a lower rate of severity.

These children tend to develop better coping mechanisms. They get into less trouble in school, lash out at others less often, and grow into adults that have a lower chance of developing an addiction. They also enjoy healthier relationships, especially romantic ones.

Why these benefits exist

Speculations lean on the idea that children of joint custody have fewer things to fear or worry about in the aftermath of the divorce as a result of shared custody. They do not have to worry about the total collapse of a two-parent household, and they can rely on and turn to either parent for support.

Joint custody is not always the best option. For example, houses that suffer from abuse at the hands of one parent will not want that parent anywhere near the child. Sometimes, parents do not want to have involvement in their child’s life, or they cannot, due to incarceration or other issues.

In these situations, sole custody may serve a family better. But otherwise, joint custody could be the solution.