Media Release
October 5, 2005
What do mothers really think about contact with dad?
Researchers at the University of South Australia are keen to uncover what separated mothers really think about their children’s contact with their fathers.
Early childhood specialist, Dr Elspeth McInnes is about to launch a major survey to collect data from hundreds of women about their attitudes to father-child contact.
“I think while there are a lot of widely held ideas about what women think about contact issues, there is not the hard research that would give us a better understanding of the attitudes and issues that can have a big impact on children in separated families,” Dr McInnes said.
“Mothers who remain the primary carers of their children after parents separate play an important role in father-child contact. It is therefore very important to understand the issues that families negotiate when making arrangements for children after separation.”
Researchers want to hear from mothers with a dependent child (or children) under 18 who do not live with the child’s father.
The survey is available online and can be downloaded.
Women interested in taking part can also contact Dr McInnes by telephone on 83024042 or email Elspeth.mcinnes@unisa.edu.au for a copy of the survey.
Contacts for interviews
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Dr Elspeth McInnes office (08) 8302 4042 email elspeth.mcInnes@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
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Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418823673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au