Characteristics of families of children who refuse post-divorce visits

Compared to 88 non-refusers, 12 children who refused post-divorce visits with their noncustodial parents were significantly more likely to be female, to be the oldest child at home, to be in special education, and to have at least one parent with evidence of psychopathology, particularly substance abuse, violence toward spouse, suicidal behavior, or psychosis. Most children in both groups lived primarily with their mothers.