Correlates and predictors of parenting self-efficacy in new fathers.

Abstract

Parenting self-efficacy is a critical determinant of high-quality parenting behavior, but this aspect of parenting cognitions has been understudied for fathers. Longitudinal data from a sample of 182 fathers of firstborn infants in dual-earner families were used to assess how expectant fathers' rearing history, personality and personal characteristics, and family relationships were associated with their initial levels of parenting self-efficacy in the early postpartum period. Expectant fathers completed surveys assessing their rearing history, personality, and personal characteristics during the third trimester of pregnancy and reported on their perceptions of coparenting and parenting self-efficacy at three months postpartum. Results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that new fathers were at risk for lower parenting self-efficacy when they had greater attachment anxiety and neuroticism, believed that mothers are inherently better caretakers, and planned to use their own fathers as models for childrearing. In contrast, new fathers had greater parenting self-efficacy when they perceived their coparenting relationships with children's mothers more positively. These findings inform theory about the development of fathers' parenting cognitions and behavior and practice with expectant and new fathers, and, if replicated in a larger, more representative sample, may be used to identify expectant fathers at risk for low parenting self-efficacy and in the design of policy initiatives to enhance father-child relationships.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes in Preschool Firstborn Children During Transition to Siblinghood: A Mixed Methods Study

“… 47 Active father involvement in early parenting may yield additional benefits. 48 A better relationship between children and their fathers and a democratic paternal parenting style appeared to be associated with lower levels of emotional and behavioral problems in firstborn children. Some studies have shown that the quality of a father’s companionship has a greater coefficient of correlation with psychological and behavioral adaptation in children.…”

Origins and development of maternal self-efficacy in emotion-related parenting during the transition to parenthood: Toward an integrative process framework beyond Bandura’s model.

“…Interestingly and in sharp contrast, there exists extensive and compelling evidence for an association between parents’ self-reported attachment styles and many aspects of parenting (for a review, see Jones et al, 2015). A substantial body of research has demonstrated that an adult’s self-reports of attachment style dimensions are associated with his/her overall perceptions or expectations of current or future parenthood, perceptions of current or future parenting stress, pleasure and rewards that parents would derive from child-rearing, and/or perceptions of him/herself as a current or future parent, including parenting self-efficacy (e.g., Berant et al, 2001; Burkhart et al, 2017; Caldwell et al, 2011; Calvo & Bianco, 2015; Donithen & Schoppe-Sullivan, 2021; Howard, 2010; Kerr et al, 2019; Kohlhoff & Barnett, 2013; Moreira & Canavarro, 2016; Nathanson & Manohar, 2012; Rholes et al, 1995, 1997, 2006; Scharf & Mayseless, 2011; Spielman & Taubman-Ben-Ari, 2009; Trillingsgaard et al, 2011). Specifically, as compared to their self-reported insecure counterparts, self-reported secure parents tend to perceive parenthood as less threatening and concerning and consider parenthood as more rewarding.…”

“…To date, the identified predictors of paternal self-efficacy include fathers’ attachment style (e.g., attachment anxiety), personality traits (e.g., neuroticism), parenting role beliefs (e.g., viewing mothers as inherently better caretakers), perinatal mental health issues (e.g., affective symptoms), parenting stress, coparenting relationships, perceived social support, and family socioeconomic status (De Montigny et al, 2012; Donithen & Schoppe-Sullivan, 2021; Pinheiro, 2014; Pinto et al, 2016). Moreover, there also exists a slim body of research surveying both mothers and fathers (Biehle & Mickelson, 2011a, 2011b; Fang et al, 2022; Giallo, Treyvard, et al, 2013; Knauth, 2000; Leerkes & Burney, 2007; Murdock, 2013; Riina & Feinberg, 2012; Sevigny & Loutzenhiser, 2010).…”

“…Adult attachment style/representations (Ablow et al, 2013; Berant et al, 2001; Burkhart et al, 2017; Caldwell et al, 2011; Calvo & Bianco, 2015; Donithen & Schoppe-Sullivan, 2021; Kohlhoff & Barnett, 2013; Leerkes & Siepak, 2006; Leerkes et al, 2015, 2016; Lowell et al, 2021; Moreira & Canavarro, 2016; Nathanson & Manohar, 2012; Rholes et al, 1995, 1997, 2006; Scharf & Mayseless, 2011; Schoenmaker et al, 2015; Spielman & Taubman-Ben-Ari, 2009; Trillingsgaard et al, 2011; Xu & Groh, 2021)…”

The developmental trends of parental self-efficacy and adolescents’ rule-breaking behaviors in the Italian context: A 7-wave latent growth curve study

“…in the lives of children, it is also true that they often perceive their role as being mediated by mothers [104,105], thus still perceiving the ability to successfully perform the parenting role as more maternal than paternal. Also, especially in the Italian context, mothers usually spend more time with their children than fathers, which may render child characteristics, especially behavioral problems, more of a challenge for mothers than fathers.…”