Paternal Multiple Partner Fertility and Environmental Chaos Among Unmarried Nonresident Fathers

Abstract

This study examined the association between paternal multiple partner fertility (MPF; having children with two or more partners) and indicators of environmental chaos (partnership instability, residential instability, work stability, material hardship, and perceived social support) among unmarried, non-resident fathers. Survey data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 873) were used to compare unmarried non-resident fathers who experienced MPF to those who had children with one partner. Results show that paternal MPF is associated with most indicators of environmental chaos (greater partnership instability, residential instability, work instability, material hardship), but not social support. Results suggest that fathers who experience MPF face challenges beyond those of other non-resident fathers. Policies and interventions should address aspects of instability and hardship that are unique to paternal MPF in order to encourage fathers’ positive contributions to children and families. Directions for future research are discussed.

Predictors of Maternal Participation in Fatherhood Intervention Research With African American Nonresident Fathers

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New Partner, New Order? Multipartnered Fertility and Birth Order Effects on Educational Achievement

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Examining the relationship between incarceration and child support arrears among low-income fathers

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