Abstract

VEGA ROBLES, Isabel  and  SMITH-CASTRO, Vanessa. Correlates and predictors of child support payment among divorced or separated fathers. Interam. j. psychol. [online]. 2009, vol.43, n.2, pp. 395-404. ISSN 0034-9690.

Currently, there is an increased interest in seeking the economic welfare of children of divorced parents through legislation that establishes and regulates child support payment by the father. There are few studies on this issue, which in most cases focus on the effect of the legislation on fathers´ behaviors, leaving unattended the potential effect of other psychosocial factors. In this study, two hundred divorced fathers from San José/CR answered a questionnaire regarding child support for their children, as well as their socioeconomic status, current family conditions, kind of relationship with their children and exwives, perceptions on their role as fathers, mental health and social networks support. Results show that the payment of child support is significantly associated with the quality of the current relationship with their ex-wives, the occupational level, and the frequency to which participants seek support from their friends. The results are discussed considering the current legislation regulating child support and their implications for paternity.

Keywords : Paternity; Divorce; Parental relationship; Child support payment; Costa Rica.

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