離婚後の良好なコペアレンティング関係を促す要素についての質的検討

― コペアレンティング関係再構築プロセスの検討を通じて ―

抄録

　　A coparenting relationship with an ex-spouse is one of the key concepts in post-divorce coparenting. Although many prior studies have demonstrated the importance of the coparenting relationship for a child’s adjustment post-divorce, few studies in Japan have focused on factors contributing to a good coparenting relationship.

　　Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 divorced parents with minor children in order to identify factors contributing to the rebuilding and maintaining of a good coparenting relationship. The data were examined using a modified grounded theory approach. Results indicated that the process whereby parents rebuild and maintain a good coparenting relationship consists of a repetitive process of gradually “forgiving” the ex-spouse and constructively “coping with conflict.” The divorced parent is gradually relieved of negative feelings towards the ex-spouse, allowing the parent to adopt more constructive conflict management styles, which leads to the successful resolution of conflicts. Further “forgiveness” is facilitated by serving as a parent in a stable and less conflicted relationship. Moreover, results revealed several of the factors affecting this process, including motivation to engage in a coparenting relationship, empathy for the coparent or child, and “involvement with a third party”. In some cases, the “involvement of a third party” facilitated “forgiveness,” while in others that involvement inhibited it.

　　Finally, we compared the findings of this study to those of previous studies to examine the appropriate ways that third parties can engage with divorced parents.