Different custody options exist to give families in unique situations different potential paths that may support their individual needs and wants.
Joint custody maintains its position as one of the most common options for custody, however. What should you know about it?
Knowing who it works for
Psychology Today discusses joint custody as an option. Studies over the years have concluded that joint custody offers a great option to families who can make it work. Of course, not every family can. For example, if one parent is not present either due to incarceration or active duty military service, it may not work out. The same goes for situations where one parent faces allegations of neglect or abuse.
Improved coping methods
However, if a family can opt for joint custody, studies have shown many potential benefits it may have. First, it seems to improve a child’s coping mechanisms. Children of sole custody seem to lash out more often at peers and get into more arguments with authority figures, by comparison. Children of joint custody develop coping mechanisms that allow for a mature dissection and understanding of feelings like anger or fear.
These coping mechanisms tend to extend into adulthood, too. This leads to healthier platonic and romantic relationships, as well as fewer struggles with addictions and other negative coping mechanisms.
Improved mental health
On top of that, children of joint custody have fewer struggles with mental health. They have fewer reported instances of severe depression or anxiety, and fewer cases overall of trauma- or stressor-based disorders.
Thus, joint custody can provide a child with all they need to move ahead healthily in life.