Abstract
Using a person-centered approach grounded in family systems theory, we identified subgroups of fathers based on their involvement types and examined how these profiles differed regarding intergenerational transmission, familial factors, and fathers’ sociodemographic characteristics. Data were collected from 277 U.S. fathers, revealing two distinct profiles: High-involved and Low-involved fathers. High-involved fathers demonstrated significantly greater engagement, such as praising and affection, than their Low-involved counterparts. Regarding intergenerational transmission, our findings support the modeling hypothesis, indicating that positive paternal emotional experiences in childhood are associated with increased paternal involvement. However, there was limited evidence for compensatory hypothesis behaviors. High-involved fathers reported better psychological well-being, stronger father role identities, better parenting competence, closer parent–child relationships, better coparenting relationships, and greater work and family conflicts. Low-involved fathers were more likely to be younger and single-not-married. These findings can be referred to by practitioners and policymakers for developing intervention programs or policies supporting paternal involvement.
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