CQUniversity
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Long-distance parenting: The impact of parental separation and absence due to work commitments on families

chapter
posted on 2020-03-12, 00:00 authored by Cassandra DittmanCassandra Dittman
This chapter reviews the theory and research related to the impact of parental separation due to work commitments on family life, with a particular focus on two categories of parental work absences: (1) long-distance commuting; and (2) military service and deployment. There is significant diversity both between and within these categories of parental absence in terms of length and timing of separation, the context and reasons for separation, and the risks associated with the parent’s employment. However, they are characterized by challenges not generally experienced by other working families, including transitions in family routines and parenting roles and responsibilities, reliance on the functioning of the athome parent or family member, and ongoing disruptions to parent–child relationships. The impact of these transitions and disruptions is only beginning to be understood. This chapter reviews the research on the effects of parental absence due to work on parenting, family relationships, and child adjustment, and aims to identify factors that influence outcomes for families. Note that in the vast majority of the literature, the absent parent is the father, and the at-home parent is the mother; exceptions to this are noted throughout the review. The chapter also highlights areas for further research, and concludes with evidence based recommendations for policy and practice.

History

Editor

Sanders MR; Morawska A

Parent Title

Handbook of parenting and child development across the lifespan

Start Page

511

End Page

533

Number of Pages

23

ISBN-13

9783319945972

Publisher

Springer

Place of Publication

Cham, Switzerland

Peer Reviewed

  • Yes

Open Access

  • No

Era Eligible

  • Yes

Usage metrics

    CQUniversity

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC