Predictors of Paternal Involvement and Satisfaction

Abstract

Few researchers have simultaneously examined the multiple components of fathering, attitudes, practices, involvement, and satisfaction. Consequently, there is little information available concerning the empirical relations among these dimensions of fathering and of the theoretical meanings implied by these relations. 177 fathers of firstborn sons and daughters, ages 4, 8, 12, and 16 years, were administered structured standardized questionnaires assessing their childrearing practices, attitudes, involvement, and satisfaction. Multiple regression analyses identified several significant predictors of paternal involvement across the four age groups, including demographic variables and childrearing practices. Analyses conducted within each age group yielded somewhat different regression models. Implications for research on fathering and parental education programs are discussed.