The Relations between Father-Perceived Family Strength and Maternal Gatekeeping in Chinese Families—Focusing on the Dual Mediation Effect of Father Involvement and Mutual Communication

Abstract

According to Murray Bowen’s family systems theory, the family is an emotional unit where members influence each other. Family strength, in that members care for, respect, and communicate with each other sincerely and freely and overcome difficulties together through joint efforts, is what every family yearns for and pursues. Maternal gatekeeping behavior not only affects the relationship between each family member but also has an impact on family strength. Father-perceived family strength and maternal gatekeeping were investigated in this study, along with the mediation effect of father involvement and mutual communication. In total, 320 fathers of children aged 3–5 were randomly recruited to complete self-report questionnaires. The correlation results indicated that maternal gate-opening behavior, father involvement, mutual communication, and family strength are positively correlated with each other, whereas maternal gate closing is negatively associated with father involvement, mutual communication, and family strength. Path analysis verified the partial (dual) mediation effect of father involvement and mutual communication between maternal gate opening and family strength, as well as a complete (dual) mediation effect upon maternal gate closing. The current study provides new insights into understanding the underlying mechanisms of father-perceived family strength influenced by maternal gatekeeping behavior. Meanwhile, the mediation effect of father involvement and mutual communication also highlights the importance of parenting preparation for fathers, such as psychological self-adjustment, especially under interception or restriction.