What affects resident fathers involvement?
Survey findings based on responses from 233 mothers, fathers and children. Resident fathers were more likely to be involved with their children if the mother was involved, if the father held egalitarian attitudes to gender roles and if the children were well-adjusted. The more difficult fathers believed their children to be, the less likely fathers were to be involved. What underlies the factors associated with fathers’ involvement? The survey identified a continuum of involvement and family well-being. Families at one end of the continuum have highly involved parents with egalitarian attitudes, high levels of self-esteem and a supportive and amicable relationship. The interviews with 26 intact families added to this picture, showing how the parents’ relationship helped fathers to be involved because of the mutual support each parent provided. The better educated the father, the more likely they were to be involved; this was not the case for mothers. This is a surprising finding that i
