When parents go through divorce, they want to do whatever possible to maintain their child’s mental health and well-being.
One of the best ways to do that is by ensuring the stability of their future. Opting for shared custody could serve to that goal.
Where the benefits start
Psychology Today discusses observations about joint custody and its impact on children of divorce. Generally, studies have shown over the years that shared custody has numerous benefits for children.
First, these benefits start at a young age. Children just going through the early stages of life after their parent’s divorce often lash out against peers or struggle to deal with authority figures. However, the rate of this happening to children of sole custody is much greater than for children of joint custody.
These benefits seem to last into adulthood, too. For example, many children of divorce who experience joint custody seem to struggle less with addictions in their adult life. This includes addictions of all kinds, such as alcohol, gambling, drugs and more. They also have more healthy relationships, especially when it comes to romantic relationships.
Healthier mental states
On top of that, these children seem to struggle with fewer mental health issues, too. They have lower reported rates of both depression and anxiety, along with trauma and stress-based disorders. Those who do report these struggles seem to have lower intensity.
Joint custody does not work for every family. But for those it does work for, it can provide a great advantage and many desirable benefits for a child. This alone makes it an option worth considering.
