A Qualitative Study on the Coparenting Selection Process During Divorce or Separation:

An Analysis Using the Trajectory Equifinality Approach

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the factors that contribute to maintaining a good coparenting relationship after divorce or separation, by clarifying the process to select coparenting styles during the consensus-building process over coparenting. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with14 parents who had experienced divorce or separation and who had still maintained relationships with their children and the non-residential parent, and the results were analyzed with the Trajectory Equifinality Approach (TEA). The results of the analysis revealed the various pathways to the decision to coparent with an ex-spouse, and showed that the pathways would affect the stability of the coparenting relationships, in particular that the initial phase following divorce is critical in establishing the coparenting relationships. Furthermore, it was suggested that the process to share the awareness of the significance of coparenting for their family between the ex-spouses, as well as emphasizing the acceptability of the process itself in the consensus-building, would contribute to establishing a stable coparenting relationship after divorce.