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Paternal influences on infant temperament: effects of father internalizing problems, parenting-related stress, and

Natalia V Potapova1, Maria A Gartstein1, David J Bridgett2

  • 1Washington State University, United States.

Infant Behavior & Development
|January 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Fathers' characteristics, including stress and temperament, influence infant temperament. This study examined how paternal factors affect infant emotionality and behavior from 4 to 6 months of age.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Infant Behavior
  • Paternal Psychology

Background:

  • Infant temperament is influenced by various factors.
  • Paternal contributions to early child development are increasingly recognized.
  • Understanding the interplay between fathers and infants is crucial for healthy development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of paternal characteristics on infant temperament.
  • To identify specific paternal factors (stress, internalizing symptoms, father's temperament) associated with infant temperament.
  • To examine these effects at 4 and 6 months of infant age.

Main Methods:

  • Temperament ratings were collected from 98 fathers.
  • Data were gathered when infants were 4 and 6 months old.
  • Paternal stress, internalizing symptoms, and father's temperament were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Paternal characteristics were found to be associated with infant temperament differences.
  • Specific paternal factors showed varying degrees of influence on infant emotionality and behavior.
  • Longitudinal data at 4 and 6 months revealed developmental trends.

Conclusions:

  • Paternal factors play a significant role in shaping infant temperament.
  • Early paternal engagement and well-being are important for infant emotional development.
  • Further research should explore interventions targeting fathers to support infant temperament.

Keywords:
FathersGender interactionsInfant temperamentParental stressPaternal

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