A Comparison of Maternal, Paternal, and Joint Custody:

Forty-three families with either maternal, paternal, or joint custody were studied, an average of 3.5 years after divorce. Most of the 91 children in the sample were not maladjusted, and their adjustment was independent of custody type. Where parents remained embattle after divorce, children had significantly lower scores on the Piers Harris Self Concept Test, and on parent's ratings of their adjustment. Children in joint custody retained filial relationships with both parents, as opposed to the avuncular relationships they developed with non-custodial at its best is superior to single parent custody at its best. However, the author cautions against a legal presumption for the joint award, and discusses some contraindications to its use.