Divorced Fathers

Previous studies show that divorced men exhibit high rates of psychological distress, alcohol abuse, and mortality. Using data from a recent national survey, we consider the possibility that these problems reflect strains associated with being a divorced father. The results show that divorced fathers report substantially higher levels of parental role strain than do married fathers. The data further indicate that the estimated effects of divorce on men's psychological distress levels and alcohol consumption are explained, in part, by higher levels of parental role strain among divorced men. Qualitative data from an in-depth interview study of 45 divorced fathers are examined to consider possible reasons why parenting in the divorced status may be conducive to parental role strain, psychological distress, and alcohol abuse.