Issues interfering with the use of written communication as a means of relational bonding between absentee, divorced fathers and their children

Abstract

Using a nationwide sample, this study surveyed divorced, absentee fathers about issues that interfere with effective written communication that might be used as a means of relational bonding. The findings indicate that uncertainty about the father's parental role contributes to feelings of writing apprehension and feelings of writing competence. Parental role uncertainty was also negatively correlated with predicting the child's behavior, trust and disclosure by the father. Discussions of the these issues are presented along with recommendations for workshops to improve writing skills for divorced, absentee parents.