Bindungsbeziehungen zwischen Eltern und Kindern im Kontext von Trennung und Scheidung: Welche Rolle spielen Umfang und Qualität des Eltern-Kind-Kontakts?

Abstract

Following parental separation, parents face the question of how to develop a suitable parenting plan for their children in the future. While there is a broad consensus that maintaining relationships with both parents is generally beneficial for children, there is great uncertainty about how this should be implemented in individual cases and the importance of different contextual factors. This paper provides an attachment-informed perspective on aspects of children's relationships in the context of separation and divorce that might be relevant when making decisions about parenting plans. The focus is on the amount of time and overnights spent with each parent in early childhood, when attachment relationships are still being formed. In addition to beneficial aspects, factors associated with increased stress and emotional insecurity for children, such as the role of interparental conflict and gatekeeping behavior, are also highlighted. The paper concludes with recommendations on interventions for families experiencing conflict.