子どもが面会交流を通じて別居親と新たな関係性を築くまでのプロセスに関する質的研究

抄録

　　The aim of this research was to ascertain the process by which a child forms a new relationship with a non-custodial parent after a divorce. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adults whose parents divorced at age 18 or younger and who continued to visit their non-custodial parent. Interview data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach.

　　Results indicated that there are 2 processes by which a child forms a new relationship with a non-custodial parent through visits: 1) The child forms a stable relationship with the non-custodial parent, or 2) The child forms an unstable relationship with the non-custodial parent. In both processes, the child ultimately forms “A relationship with a parent as he or she is” as the child matures. However, results suggested that a child with a stable relationship with a non-custodial parent copes better with object loss after a divorce. During early visits, a child needs to feel loved but not smothered by a non-custodial parent. This is achieved through “A dependable relationship like that with one's grandparents.” Such a relationship needs to be formed in order for the child to form a stable relationship with his or her non-custodial parent.