Major Study Reveals Significant Benefits of Shared Parenting for Children
June 20, 2017 — A groundbreaking comprehensive review of 54 studies has revealed that children in shared parenting arrangements experience major benefits across multiple areas of their development, challenging long-held assumptions about custody arrangements after divorce or separation.
The research, conducted by child psychologist Dr. Linda Nielsen, demonstrates that children in joint physical custody (JPC) arrangements consistently outperform those in sole physical custody (SPC) arrangements in academic achievement, emotional well-being, behavioral outcomes, and the quality of parent-child relationships.
The Major Findings
The study’s most significant finding is that shared parenting provides substantial benefits to children regardless of family circumstances. These benefits persist even when:
- Parents have lower incomes
- There is high conflict between parents
- The arrangement was court-ordered rather than voluntary
- Legal disputes are ongoing
Academic Performance
Children in joint physical custody arrangements show:
- Better academic performance and school achievement
- Higher educational attainment
- Improved cognitive development
Emotional Well-Being
The research reveals that children in shared parenting:
- Experience better emotional adjustment
- Show fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Have higher self-esteem
- Demonstrate better psychological health overall
Behavioral Outcomes
Children in JPC arrangements exhibit:
- Fewer behavioral problems
- Better social adjustment
- Reduced risk-taking behaviors
- More positive peer relationships
Parent-Child Relationships
Perhaps most importantly, shared parenting arrangements lead to:
- Stronger relationships with both parents
- Better communication with parents
- More positive perceptions of both parents
- Reduced feelings of loss or abandonment
Challenging Common Myths
The study directly challenges several longstanding assumptions about custody arrangements:
Myth 1: Infants and Toddlers Need One Primary Home
Reality: The research shows that even infants and toddlers thrive with overnight stays in both homes. The study found no evidence that young children are harmed by spending nights with both parents.
Myth 2: High Conflict Makes Shared Parenting Harmful
Reality: Even in high-conflict situations, children in joint physical custody often fare better than those in sole custody arrangements. The benefits of maintaining relationships with both parents often outweigh the challenges of parental conflict.
Myth 3: Parents Must Cooperate for Shared Parenting to Work
Reality: The research demonstrates that parallel parenting—where parents parent independently with minimal direct interaction—can be highly successful. Families don’t need perfect cooperation to make shared parenting work.
Myth 4: Court-Ordered Arrangements Don’t Work
Reality: Whether the arrangement was voluntary or court-ordered, children in joint physical custody show the same positive outcomes. The structure of shared parenting itself provides benefits, regardless of how it was established.
Myth 5: Legal Disputes Negate Benefits
Reality: Even when parents are engaged in ongoing legal disputes, children in shared parenting arrangements still experience the documented benefits. The advantages of maintaining relationships with both parents persist despite legal conflicts.
Why This Matters
These findings have profound implications for how we approach custody decisions:
For Families
- Default to Shared Parenting: The research suggests that joint physical custody should be the default arrangement unless there are clear safety concerns
- Focus on Children’s Needs: The evidence strongly supports prioritizing children’s relationships with both parents
- Don’t Fear Conflict: High conflict doesn’t automatically disqualify shared parenting as an option
For the Legal System
- Presumption of Shared Parenting: Courts should consider JPC as the starting point for custody decisions
- Evidence-Based Decisions: This research provides strong evidence to support shared parenting arrangements
- Challenge Traditional Assumptions: Legal professionals should reconsider assumptions about what’s best for children
For Society
- Better Outcomes for Children: Widespread adoption of shared parenting could improve outcomes for millions of children
- Reduced Long-Term Costs: Better-adjusted children may reduce long-term social costs
- Stronger Families: Maintaining relationships with both parents benefits children throughout their lives
The Research Methodology
Dr. Nielsen’s comprehensive review examined 54 peer-reviewed studies, providing a robust evidence base for these conclusions. The research spans multiple countries and decades, ensuring the findings are not limited to specific cultural or legal contexts.
The studies examined various aspects of child development:
- Academic achievement and educational outcomes
- Emotional and psychological well-being
- Behavioral adjustment and social functioning
- Quality of parent-child relationships
- Long-term outcomes into adulthood
Implications for Policy
This research strongly suggests that:
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Shared Parenting Should Be the Default: Unless there are clear safety concerns, joint physical custody should be the starting point for custody decisions
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Challenge Presumptions Against Shared Parenting: Courts and professionals should reconsider automatic assumptions that sole custody is safer or better
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Support Parallel Parenting: Families should be supported in parallel parenting arrangements, even when cooperation is limited
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Focus on Structure, Not Conflict: The structure of shared parenting itself provides benefits, independent of parental conflict levels
What This Means for Parents
If you’re navigating a custody dispute or considering your options:
- Advocate for Shared Parenting: The evidence strongly supports shared parenting arrangements
- Don’t Assume Conflict Disqualifies You: High conflict doesn’t mean shared parenting won’t work
- Focus on Your Children’s Needs: The research shows that maintaining relationships with both parents is crucial
- Seek Support: Parallel parenting and other strategies can make shared parenting work even in difficult circumstances
Our Organization’s Position
This research aligns with our organization’s mission to protect children’s relationships with both parents. We have long advocated for:
- Presumptions in favor of shared parenting
- Evidence-based custody decisions
- Support for families navigating custody arrangements
- Challenging assumptions that harm parent-child relationships
The Path Forward
As this research becomes more widely known, we hope to see:
- Policy Changes: Legal systems adopting presumptions in favor of shared parenting
- Professional Education: Family court professionals learning about these findings
- Parental Awareness: More parents understanding the benefits of shared parenting
- Systemic Reform: Changes to how custody decisions are made
Conclusion
This comprehensive study provides compelling evidence that shared parenting arrangements offer significant benefits to children across multiple domains of development. The findings challenge many long-held assumptions and suggest that joint physical custody should be the default arrangement after separation or divorce.
For the millions of children whose parents separate each year, these findings offer hope that maintaining relationships with both parents can lead to better outcomes—academically, emotionally, behaviorally, and in their relationships with their parents.
The evidence is clear: when it’s safe to do so, children benefit from shared parenting arrangements. It’s time for our legal system, professionals, and society to recognize and act on this evidence.
If you’re navigating a custody dispute and want to learn more about shared parenting arrangements, contact our organization at support@endccc.org or call our helpline at 1-800-FAMILIES.
To access resources on custody arrangements and parenting plans, visit our resources page.