The next talk in the Psychology Graduate Research Series, co-hosted by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies (CPS), will feature a presentation on research conducted by Katie Hoefling, a student at CPS.
“Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation and the Impact on Children”
Thursday, Apr. 19
Noon–1:00 p.m.
Maltz Psychology Building | Room 2044
About the Research
Professionals generally agree that divorce litigation presents significant stress for parents and children. Additionally, the literature indicates that disruptions in parenting are evident in those parents dissolving their unions. The term “diminished capacity to parent” has been applied to divorcing/divorced parents when parenting skills are adversely impacted. It is likely that litigation is a particularly sensitive time when parenting skills are challenged for divorcing parents. Additionally, the literature has empirically linked parental depression with parenting problems, rendering children susceptible to behavioral problems. Therefore, it is important to determine which factors impact depression levels in litigating parents who are dissolving their union. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of partner acrimony, parent problem-solving ability, and locus of control on depressive symptoms of parents actively engaged in family-law litigation. Hoefling will also discuss the overall impact of these factors on children.
Hoefling has worked under the guidance of faculty adviser Jan Faust, Ph.D., professor at CPS.
The Psychology Graduate Research Series is free and open to the public. Pizza will be served. For more information, contact Jaime Tartar, Ph.D., associate professor and coordinator of psychology research in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, at (954) 262-8192.