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Father involvement in infant care: two longitudinal studies
1College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-5330.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|December 1, 1993
Summary
The culture of fatherhood is evolving faster than fathers' actual parenting behaviors. This study compared first-time and experienced fathers, finding a gap between modern fatherhood expectations and practice.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Paternal role enactment is crucial for child development.
- Understanding how fathers' experiences influence their parenting is essential.
- Societal expectations of fatherhood have shifted significantly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare role enactment in first-time versus multiple-time fathers.
- To examine the predictive power of fathers' expectations and learning on role performance.
- To assess changes in the culture versus the conduct of fatherhood.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design with two distinct father samples (n=53 first-time, n=69 multiple-time).
- Post-test only time-series design employed identical procedures and instruments for both groups.
- Utilized role theory concepts to analyze paternal role enactment, expectations, and learning.
Main Results:
- Fathers' normative expectations, personal expectations, and personal learning were assessed.
- These factors were tested for their predictive validity regarding paternal role performance.
- A notable divergence was observed between the evolving culture of fatherhood and its practical execution.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a potential lag in fathers' behavioral adaptation to changing societal roles.
- Findings suggest that while the concept of fatherhood has modernized, actual parenting practices may be slower to change.
- Further research is needed to understand the factors influencing this gap in paternal role performance.