High Conflict & Parallel Parenting
High parental conflict is a common focus of family research because of its relationship to children’s stress and adjustment. Studies in this area examine how ongoing conflict between parents affects children and how families structure parenting arrangements in situations where cooperation is limited.
Research on parallel parenting explores how this approach is discussed in the literature as one way families manage high-conflict dynamics, particularly in contexts where direct communication is difficult. Rather than presenting a single solution, the research reflects patterns observed across different family circumstances and emphasizes variability in how conflict and parenting arrangements interact over time.
Shared Parenting in High-Conflict Divorced Families
Mahrer, N. E., Sandler, I. N., Wolchik, S. A., & Winslow, E. (2018). Journal of Divorce & Remarriage.
This study reviewed research on shared parenting arrangements in high-conflict divorced families. The findings indicate that high conflict alone does not necessarily harm children in shared parenting arrangements. Instead, children’s outcomes depend more on parenting quality, stability, and the parents’ ability to shield children from conflict.
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High conflict does not automatically mean shared parenting is harmful.
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Children do best when parents can protect them from conflict, regardless of parenting schedule.
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Positive parenting behaviors have a greater impact on child outcomes than parental conflict levels.
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Shared parenting can reduce conflict over time by providing structure and predictability.
Children of High-Conflict Divorce: Perspectives From Teachers
Laletas, S., Cummings, J., & Buchanan, A. (2021). Children and Youth Services Review.
This study explored the experiences of teachers who work with children exposed to high-conflict divorce. Teachers reported that ongoing parental conflict affects children’s concentration, emotional regulation, and behavior at school—but emphasized that supportive co-parenting, predictable routines, and minimizing child involvement in disputes can significantly buffer these negative effects.
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Children exposed to chronic conflict may struggle with focus, behavior, and emotional regulation in school settings.
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When parents shield children from disputes, children show better adjustment, even in high-conflict separations.
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Teachers observe that consistent routines across households greatly support child stability.
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Effective communication between parents reduces school-related stress for children and creates more supportive learning environments.
Healing High-Conflict Post-Divorce Co-Parenting
Stolnicu, A., Lăzărescu, D., & Lungu, O. (2022). Contemporary Family Therapy.
This qualitative study explored how parents involved in high-conflict post-divorce situations navigate co-parenting. The findings show that conflict is often rooted in communication breakdowns, emotional wounds, and rigid parenting expectations—but over time, some parents can transition toward a more parallel or cooperative parenting style when given proper support.
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High conflict often stems from unresolved emotional issues, breakdowns in communication, and lack of co-parenting skills.
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Many parents shift toward parallel parenting, reducing direct contact to protect children from conflict.
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Some families gradually transition from parallel to more cooperative co-parenting as conflict diminishes.
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Support from mediators, therapists, and structured parenting plans can help parents stabilize communication and protect children.