Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Greifswald.

The problem is limited to an analysis of the first one hundred divorce suits involving children filed in Dallas County, Texas, during the months of May and June, 1948. The general factors considered are: (a) family background; (b) age; (c) educational background; (d) economic status; (e) previous marital relations; and (f) the number of children.

This study investigated whether attendance at the Children Cope With Divorce program for divorcing parents was associated with differences in the litigation behavior of the parents consistent with a lowered level of conflict between the parties. 130 cases from Morgan County, Indiana, in which the parents attended the program were randomly selected and compared with 130 cases from the same county in which the parents did not attend the program. As a control, 130 cases from before, and 130 cases from after the date on which program attendance became a requirement in Morgan County, were randomly selected from Tipton County, Indiana, where divorcing parents do not attend a program.Measures of mean time in litigation (MTL) and of the numbers of 4 types of court petition were obtained for each of the 4 groups from court records. Four hypotheses predicting an association between program attendance and shorter MTLs and lower mean numbers of court petitions filed were tested. Hypotheses One and Two were tested by one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Hypothesis Three was tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Hypothesis Four was tested by 2 X 2 multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). All test results were nonsignificant. None of the hypotheses was supported.Possible reasons for the nonsignificant results are presented, as are limitations of the design and methodology. Other possible dependent variables which might be measured are described. The importance of collecting demographic data is mentioned. Limitations of the program studied in this project are discussed at length. In the absence of clear evidence of the effectiveness of any type of such program for divorcing parents, the courts must weigh the possible value of such a program against its cost. However, given our present state of knowledge about such programs, sponsors should select a program which presents a broad range of information. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The purpose of this project was to obtain a preliminary description, through study of the legal files, of that group of persons who appear before the Court of Domestic Relations for a reconsideration of the custody decision made initially, at the time of divorce. A sample of 92 cases heard in Mu1tnomah County in 1965 was obtained. A survey of the literature revealed that much of what has been written on the subject of divorce and custody is primarily from a statistical or legalistic standpoint and very little bears directly on the granting or obtaining of custody or the problems encountered by the custodial or non-custodial parents and the children. A reading schedule was developed for the purpose of recording the information in the legal files maintained by the court. The characteristics of the sample group were tallied in an effort to obtain a statistical profile of that group requiring additional court appearances to settle the matter of custody. A number of hypotheses were developed and tested by means of Chi Square. Though this study was limited by the fact that no control group was used and no personal interviews were obtained, it clearly indicates the need for additional research in the area of divorce and custody and suggestions are made for future projects.

Male batterers -- Paternal custodial challenges -- Support payment arrearage -- Income levels of fathers -- Violent fathers -- Nonviolent fathers -- Initiation of court appearances -- Gender of children.