Date of Conferral

1-22-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Tracy Mallett

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the troubling intersection of parental separation, domestic violence and paternal filicide, issues that profoundly challenge societal and legal frameworks. Although domestic violence and marital dissolution are recognized risk factors for child maltreatment, their role in paternal filicide, specifically when motivated by parental separation, has been understudied. Using a purposeful and criterion-based sampling strategy, cases were drawn from the Center for Judicial Excellence database of children murdered during divorce, parental separation, and child custody disputes. After applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample consisted of 113 biological fathers responsible for the deaths of 263 children (aged 0–17) in the United States between 2008 and 2020. A thematic analysis of publicly available online news reports about these filicides was conducted to identify contextual patterns as well as key characteristics and behaviors of fathers who commit filicide following marital separation. Results highlight significant histories of abuse against mothers and the failure of government officials to protect their children. Findings also emphasize the presence of displaced aggression, rumination, and revenge planning. This study aligns with prior research advocating for the identification of psychosocial risk factors among filicidal fathers and the implementation of proactive legal and mental health interventions. These findings underscore the need for reforms in family court, mental health assessments, and domestic violence prevention strategies to mitigate risks associated with custody disputes, ultimately preventing future child homicides.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

 
COinS