Help separated parents by contributing to new research on parenting apart

A research team at the University of Edinburgh is conducting the ‘Parenting After Divorce or Separation Study’ to explore family life and children’s wellbeing in different post-separation parenting arrangements.

Are you co-parenting with an ex-partner? Do you have a 4-8 year old? You can take part in this new research study to help separated parents and learn how others in your position are making it work.

Why research is needed

Despite the growing number of parents sharing care, there is little UK research looking at family relationships and child wellbeing in these arrangements. Studies have also focused on the experiences of older children and those whose parents have been through the courts.

This study aims to:

• Increase understanding of family life
• Provide co-parenting families with a chance to learn about other families in similar situations
• Inform policy and practice

Who can help?

The study is looking to recruit separated parents of 4-8 year olds who:

• Have regular contact with their child(ren) and co-parent with their child’s other parent
• Do not have a court ordered child arrangement
• Have been separated for at least six months
• Are comfortable taking part in English
• Live in Scotland or England

The study is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and has received ethical approval from the Moray House School of Education and Sport Ethics Committee.

Join the study

What will I need to do?

• An online interview about your co-parenting journey
• A survey on family life, your wellbeing and child development
• Children are also invited to take part if they wish to – we have a game for you and your child and some fun picture and story-telling activities for your child

As a thank you for your time, parents and children will receive a gift voucher. Participation is confidential and does not require all family members to take part.

Click here to watch a short video about taking part.

How can I sign up?

If you’re interested in being involved or would like to hear more about the study, please sign up below. Alternatively email Dr Sarah Foley at [email protected].

Join the study

About the research team and findings so far

Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Sarah Foley is leading the project. So far, Sarah and the team have met parents and children from across Scotland and England with a range of different arrangements; on average, children are transitioning between households seven times a month, with some children moving twice and others up to 18 times a month.

Parents describe a range of co-parenting styles with their ex-partner, from ‘close friends’ to ‘co-parenting positively but not interacting’ to ‘conflictual’. The study is ongoing and Sarah will share the findings with parents and amicable when it’s complete.

Join the study