Over the years, the general opinion of custody shifted to largely support joint custody over sole custody.
Though there are situations in which this is not possible, it can provide many benefits for children of divorce in the families it does work for.
Healthy development into adulthood
Psychology Today takes a look at new studies following children of joint custody. These studies show numerous benefits that the children reap both in childhood, as well as later in their adult years.
First, these children seem to display less vitriol toward authority figures and do not lash out at peers as often. This indicates a healthier way of establishing themselves in interpersonal relationships.
It carries on into adulthood, with these individuals having an easier time with their relationships, especially in the romantic sense.
These children also seem to develop healthier coping mechanisms from the start. Often, this translates to a lower rate of addictions as these children grow into adulthood.
Better mental health
Children of joint custody also have lower reported rates of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. On top of that, the cases reported generally seem lower in intensity than those reported by children of sole custody.
Many of these subjects state that they feel more secure having both parents in their life. This is especially true in families where both parents had heavy involvement before the divorce itself.
In maintaining this balance, a family can provide the stability that a child needs to move forward in the healthiest way possible. It is a winning situation for every person involved.