Boundary ambiguity and coparental conflict after divorce: An empirical test of a family systems model of the divorce process

A family systems model of the divorce process was proposed and empirically tested for divorced mothers and fathers using a series of multiple regression analyses. Central to the proposed model was the assertion that the failure to establish relationship boundaries that clearly define the former partner as a coparent, but not as a spouse, is a major source of coparental conflict after divorce. The findings supported the hypothesized positive relationship between boundary ambiguity and coparental conflict. Factors that influence boundary ambiguity also were investigated and found to be distinct for mothers and fathers.