Divorced Single Parents' Perceptions of Child-Related Problems

Seventy-three divorced single parents were asked to rate the severity of a variety of child-centered problems. The problems of greatest concern involved discipline, behavior problems resulting from the separation and following the ex-spouse's visit, and the lack of an available male model. The severity of the problems was found to be unrelated to both the age of the child and the length of the separation. Moreover, little relationship was found between the perceived severity of the problems and a variety of parent-related characteristics. Parents viewed the lack of a male model as the primary harmful consequence of the separation, and saw the removal of tension and fear from the home environment as the greatest beneficial consequence.