Mateo has limited contact with his noncustodial father, who lives across the country from him. His father is supportive and warm when Mateo does have contact with him. Mateo's peer, Ayden, has frequent contact with his own noncustodial father, who is permissive and disruptive. How are Mateo and Ayden likely to fare in terms of their adjustment and school achievement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has found that frequency of contact with noncustodial fathers does not necessarily lead to better adjustment or school achievement in children. Instead, the quality of the contact is more important. Mateo's high quality contact with his noncustodial father is likely to benefit his adjustment and school achievement more than Ayden's frequent but disruptive contact with his own noncustodial father. Thus, Mateo is likely to be better adjusted than Ayden.

Mateo Has Limited Contact with His Noncustodial Father, Who Lives