The Relationship Between Family Structure and Parent-Child Relationship Problems in Single Father Households

This study examines the influence of number, sex distribution, age distribution, and age spacing of children on the severity of parent-child relationship problems in 912 single father households. Fathers with custody of preadolescent girls, compared to those raising both preadolescent and adolescent girls, children of both sexes, or boys exclusively, reported significantly fewer problems with their children. No effects were found for family size or age spacing. The method of obtaining custody, social support, marital conflict, and father involvement in child care during the marriage were also significant predictors of the dependent variable.