Shared Parenting Outcomes
Research on shared parenting examines how children fare in arrangements where both parents remain actively involved after separation. This body of research explores a range of emotional, behavioral, and long-term outcomes across different family structures and circumstances.
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Findings in this area vary and are shaped by many factors, including family dynamics, levels of conflict, and how parenting arrangements function in practice. Rather than pointing to a single model that fits all families, the research reflects patterns and associations observed across diverse contexts.
Child Adjustment in Joint-Custody Versus Sole-Custody Arrangements: A Meta-Analytic Review
Bauserman, R. (2002). Journal of Family Psychology, 16(1), 91–102.
This meta-analysis compared children in joint physical or legal custody with those in sole-custody arrangements. Across studies, children in joint custody showed better emotional, behavioral, and family-relationship outcomes.
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Children in joint custody were better adjusted than those in sole custody across multiple measures.
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Their adjustment was similar to children in intact families.
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Benefits of joint custody appeared even when there was some parental conflict.
Custody and Parenting Time: Links to Family Relationships and Well-Being After Divorce.
Fabricius, W. V., Braver, S. L., Diaz, P., & Velez, C. E. (2010)
This chapter reviews how parenting time after divorce influences children’s well-being and relationships with each parent. It finds that children benefit when they maintain strong relationships with both parents, and that shared parenting arrangements generally support better long-term outcomes.
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Children with meaningful time in each household tend to be more satisfied with their parenting arrangements.
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Joint custody and shared parenting are associated with fewer emotional and behavioral adjustment problems.
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Children benefit from rich relationships with both residential and nonresidential parents.
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Active involvement from both parents supports stronger long-term bonds and healthier adjustment.