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Paternal involvement and early infant neurodevelopment: the mediation role of maternal parenting stress

Minjeong Kim1, Su-Kyoung Kang2, Bangsil Yee3

  • 1Sesalmaul Research Center, Gachon University, Seongnamdae-ro 1342, Seongnam, 13120, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

BMC Pediatrics
|December 14, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Paternal involvement positively impacts infant neurodevelopment by reducing maternal parenting stress. This study highlights the crucial role fathers play in early infant development and maternal well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Father-child interactions are linked to infant developmental improvements.
  • Limited research exists on paternal involvement's effect on infant neurodevelopment before 6 months.
  • The mediating role of maternal parenting stress in this relationship is unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct and indirect effects of paternal involvement on infant neurodevelopment at 3-4 months.
  • To examine maternal parenting stress as a mediator between paternal involvement and infant neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

  • 255 mother-infant dyads (infants aged 3-4 months) were recruited.
  • Paternal involvement and maternal parenting stress were assessed using the Korean Parenting Alliance Inventory (K-PAI) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI).
  • Infant neurodevelopment was evaluated via home visits and the Korean version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire II (K-ASQ II). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed.

Main Results:

  • Paternal involvement showed a positive association with infant neurodevelopment (K-ASQ II scores).
  • Maternal parenting stress was negatively related to infant neurodevelopment.
  • Maternal parenting stress partially mediated the link between paternal involvement and infant neurodevelopment, with fathers' involvement reducing stress and improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Paternal involvement is significantly associated with early infant neurodevelopment.
  • Maternal parenting stress acts as a partial mediator in this association.
  • Emphasizes the importance of fathers' engagement and maternal stress management for infant development.
Abstract

Keywords:
Infant neurodevelopmentMaternal parenting stressMediation effectPaternal involvement

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