Complexities in Research on Fathering: Illustrations from the Tufts Study of Young Fathers
Titel:
Complexities in Research on Fathering: Illustrations from the Tufts Study of Young Fathers
Auteur:
Easterbrooks, M. Ann Barrett, Lionel R. Brady, Anne E. Davis, Cynthia R.
Verschenen in:
Applied developmental science
Paginering:
Jaargang 11 (2007) nr. 4 pagina's 214-220
Jaar:
2007-12-01
Inhoud:
Theory and research suggest that the transition to parenthood is a major life transition, and that adaptation to the parenting role is influenced by a complex set of factors, including the relationship with the child's mother, family of origin, and how the father is situated within sociocultural contexts. The father-]mother relationship is particularly important for men making the transition to fatherhood. This study examined patterns of fathering among young fathers (15-24 years) and investigated how fathers' relationships with the mothers of their young children (infants and toddlers) were related to fathering. In general, higher quality father-mother relationships were related to greater father involvement with children; when mothers were perceived as barriers to involved fathering fathers also had less accurate and adaptive parenting knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Person-centered analyses revealed quite complex relations between father-mother relationships and father-child interaction. One pattern showed strong positive father-mother relationships associated with a disengaged pattern of father-child interaction, while another pattern showed sensitive and positive father-child engagement in the context of negative or distant father-mother relationships. Four patterns of association between fathering and mother-father relationships were demonstrated. Results highlight the complexity of understanding fathering and family relationships among young fathers.