Instability in Post-Divorce Residence Arrangements and Child Difficulties

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the instability in post-divorce child residence arrangements over a 10-year period and its impact on children's socioemotional difficulties. Background: The increase in shared residence arrangements (joint physical custody) has led to renewed interest in understanding how children fare in different post-divorce residence arrangements. These arrangements may, however, change as circumstances likely change after divorce, potentially affecting children's well-being. Method: Data from the “New Families in the Netherlands” survey covering three waves over 10 years after union dissolution were used. The sample included parents who divorced or separated from cohabitation in 2010. We used multiple linear regression analyses to estimate the association between instability in child residence and parent-reported socioemotional difficulties of children aged 4–17 years. Results: Instability in child residence arrangements was not uncommon, with nearly one-third of parents reporting change within 10 years. Sole mother residence was the most common and stable arrangement, while shared residence showed the highest instability. Instability was associated with increased child difficulties. Sole-to-sole residence changes had the strongest impact, while stable shared residence was associated with the least child difficulties. Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of instability in post-divorce residence arrangements and its negative impact on children's well-being. Our study nuances previous findings on the benefits of shared residence by showing that it is especially stable shared residence that benefits children.