Prevalence of High Conflict Separation and Divorce and Associated Factors: A Multi-method Approach to Map the Evidence (2009-2010)
Principal Investigator: Michael Saini, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Funded by: Department of Justice Canada, Family, Children & Youth Section Policy Sector
Request for Proposal “Parental Conflict in Separation and Divorce: Literature Review”
In attempts to resolve parental conflict after separation, interventions have historically included notions of “uncoupling,” which involves a complete dissolution of the emotional relationship between the former spouses (Ahrons, 2004). Ex-partners who share children however, must continue to negotiate parenting arrangements, and so a complete dissolution from the ex-partner is not viable. For these parents, little information is available regarding factors that influence successful renegotiations of ex-spousal and co-parental roles (Saini, 2007). Although the majority of separating couples are able to resolve conflicts, at least one third of parents remain in high conflict interactions despite the passage of time (Hetherington & Kelly, 2002). In order to develop relevant interventions for parents involved in high conflict separation, it is important to first identify the predictors and characteristics associated with high conflict.
Narrative literature reviews have traditionally been undertaken to search for this evidence, but these are susceptible to selection bias which can limit the value of the evidence collected. To improve the existing knowledge of high conflict, this proposed project will include a mixed-method approach, which will include: 1) a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) to systematically review the empirical evidence; and 2) Qualitative Interviews (QI) with key stakeholders working with families involved in separation and divorce.