“I Want to Make Sure I'm Doing What It Takes”: Parental Role Changes Following Separation

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study is to understand how parents adjust their roles during the transition to separation. Background Parental separation is a transition involving several structural, economic, personal, and interpersonal changes that require adjustments in parental roles. Method This study used qualitative interviews and a grounded theory approach to examine parents' perceptions of their role changes shortly following separation ( N = 17). Results The process of adjusting parental roles involved (re)considering pre‐separation role perceptions and responsibilities; navigating uncertainty and control; and adjusting parental roles (or feeling stuck and losing hope). Parents' experiences and role adjustments varied by parent gender, relational circumstances, and structural conditions. Conclusion Findings suggest that circumstances surrounding separation force parents to make behavioral and psychological changes to re‐conceptualize their roles which, when successful, can lead to a sense of satisfaction and well‐being. Implications Divorce educators and practitioners should consider supporting parental role adjustment to foster post‐separation adjustment.