Take Part in a New Study About Parenting After Divorce or Separation

A research team at the University of Edinburgh is conducting the ‘Parenting After Divorce or Separation Study’ to explore family life and children’s wellbeing in different post-separation parenting arrangements. This study aims to increase understanding of family life, provide co-parenting families with a chance to learn about other families in similar situations and inform policy and practice.

Despite the growing number of parents sharing care (e.g., two to three days a week, every other week), there is little UK research looking at family relationships and child wellbeing in these arrangements. Studies have also focused on the experiences of older children and those whose parents have been through the courts.

Dr Sarah Foley, a psychologist at the University of Edinburgh, is leading the project. The team are looking for parents with four to eight year olds who are co-parenting after they’ve separated from their child’s other parent to take part in an online study which will explore parents’ experiences of coparenting, family life and children’s development.

Parenting After Divorce or Separation Study Information

The study is looking to recruit parents of 4 – 8 year olds who:

• Have regular contact with their child(ren) and co-parent with their child’s other parent
• Do not have a court ordered child arrangement
• Have been separated for at least six months
• Are comfortable taking part in English
• Live in Scotland or England

What will you do?

• An online interview about your co-parenting journey
• A survey on family life, your wellbeing and child development
• Children are also invited to take part if they wish to – we have a game for you and your child and some fun picture and story-telling activities for your child
• Participation is confidential and does not require all family members to take part.

Click here to see a short video about the research.

If you’re interested in being involved or would like to hear more about the study, please sign up here. Alternatively email Dr Sarah Foley: sarah.foley@ed.ac.uk.

The study is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and has received ethical approval from the Moray House School of Education and Sport Ethics Committee.