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oai:figshare.com:article/32641965 2026-10-01T16:19:18Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Non-resident fatherhood: a systematic review and phenomenological analysis of experiences and influencing factors Michael Roache (24170364) PUREID: 659414411 Non-residentfatherinvolvementis a criticaldeterminantofchildwell-being, shaped by psychological, social, cultural, and practical factors. This thesis combines evidence from a systematic review and a qualitative study to examine the determinantsof paternalengagement followingseparationandthe lived experiences of non-resident fathers. The systematic review synthesised 14 peer-reviewed studies published since 2000 across Western contexts, identified through PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts. Findings indicated that paternal identity, mental health, social support, socioeconomic status, pre-separation involvement, co-parenting relationship quality, and custody arrangements significantly influenced post-separation father-child relationships. Cooperative co-parenting and early involvement facilitated engagement, whereas financial instability, poor mental health, and adversarial custody processes created barriers. Variability in research designs and inconsistent control of confounders limited comparability, underscoring the need for more rigorous longitudinal research. Complementing this, a qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) explored the experiences of separated non-resident fathers in Northern Ireland. Semi-structured interviews revealed that separation often triggered profound emotional distress, including guilt, grief, and powerlessness. Experiences of coercive control and emotional abuse were described, with participants perceiving limited recognition and protection within social and legal systems. Financial and legal burdens were consistently reported, alongside stigma and marginalisation associated with non-resident fatherhood. Fathers described shifts in paternal identity as they sought to sustain meaningful relationships with their children in the context of reduced contact. Together, these findings highlight the complex interplay of structural, relational, and personal factors influencing non-resident fatherhood. They demonstrate the need for policies and interventions that foster cooperative co-parenting, support fathers’ mental health, and address legal and financial inequities. Ensuring such supports are in place may reduce marginalisation, strengthen paternal engagement, and ultimately promote child well-being. Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2028. 2026-10-01T16:19:18Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641965.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Non-resident_fatherhood_a_systematic_review_and_phenomenological_analysis_of_experiences_and_influencing_factors/32641965 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2028-12-31