COVID-19 and the relationships and involvement of nonresident fathers.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo support nonresident fathers in maintaining involvement and relationships with their children during the COVID‐19 pandemic, we must understand how such fathers have been impacted thus far by the pandemic.BackgroundAll families have been impacted by the pandemic, but fathers who do not reside with their children are particularly likely to be negatively impacted. Social distancing, restrictions on travel, job loss/economic downturn, family court closures, and numerous other effects of the COVID‐19 crisis impact the ability of nonresident fathers to maintain relationships and involvement with their children.MethodThe current study analyzed retrospective data from 373 nonresident U.S. fathers to assess perceived parenting and coparenting changes during the pandemic, as well as whether coparenting relationships and mental health were associated with their involvement and relationships with their children.ResultsOn average, fathers' involvement, father–child relationship quality, and coparenting support declined, but wide variability also existed, with a substantial minority of fathers reporting increased involvement. Coparenting support was positively associated with current levels of involvement and relationship quality as well as changes to both since the pandemic, but mental health was inconsistently associated with outcomes.Conclusion and ImplicationsTo keep these average declines from becoming permanent, future research should investigate what factors foster higher involvement and improved relationships. Practitioners should offer additional support to nonresident fathers to promote their involvement and relationships in ways compatible with evolving restrictions.