Citation

King V, Stamps Mitchell K, Hawkins DN. J. Fam. Issues 2010; 31(1): 3-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0192513X09345833

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We know little about children who have two living nonresident biological parents. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines the diverse living arrangements of U.S. adolescents in this situation, the kinds of relationships they have with each of their nonresident parents, and how these living arrangements are associated with adolescent well-being. Differences between these adolescents (n = 502) and those who have one nonresident biological parent ( n = 4,746) are also examined. Results point to certain groups of adolescents with two nonresident parents who are at particular risk of exhibiting higher levels of behavior problems (those living alone or with an aunt and uncle) or who, alternatively, are faring comparatively better (those living with biological relative caregivers or two non-biological parent figures).