THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENTAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS IN HIGH-CONFLICT DIVORCE AND POST-DIVORCE FAMILIES
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENTAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS IN HIGH-CONFLICT DIVORCE AND POST-DIVORCE FAMILIES

Summary/Abstract: High-conflict divorce poses significant risks to family functioning, particularly to children’s emotional and developmental adjustment. This article examines the effectiveness of parental intervention programs designed for high-conflict divorce and post-divorce families. It synthesizes international research on the impact of persistent interparental conflict on child adjustment, parenting quality, and coparenting processes, and reviews evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing these risks. Drawing on attachment theory, family systems theory, the emotional security hypothesis, conflict spillover models, and developmental psychopathology, the paper outlines key mechanisms linking conflict to child outcomes. Core components of effective programs are identified, with illustrative examples including the New Beginnings Program, No Kids in the Middle, and selected online interventions. The review highlights differential outcomes for parents and children, addresses methodological and cultural limitations, and offers recommendations for clinicians and policymakers. Overall, the findings suggest that structured, theory-informed intervention scan reduce interparental conflict, strengthen coparenting, and promote healthier child adjustment.

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