Who are the fathers in healthy families Arizona? An examination of father data in at‐risk families.

Abstract

Despite substantial research documenting the importance of father-child relations, little is known about fathers in families considered at risk for child abuse, and this lack of information makes adequate targeting of fathers in interventions challenging. This research aims to provide information that will aid interventions in targeting fathers and addressing father-related family issues through: (a) providing descriptive information regarding fathers in families at risk for child abuse, and (b) examining aspects of family well-being relative to father involvement. Analyses were conducted on mother-report data in families eligible for the Healthy Families Arizona prevention program (N = 197). Results indicated that although only 15% of parents in the sample were married, 47% of families had resident fathers, and 77% of fathers had some contact with their new babies. Families with greater father involvement had better prenatal care, higher incomes, less maternal involvement in Child Protective Services, less physical domestic violence (DV), and greater maternal mental health reflected through less loneliness. These findings have implications for targeting nonresident as well as resident fathers in families at risk for child abuse and for exploring DV issues in families with noninvolved fathers.

Envolvimento paterno: construção de um modelo teórico baseado em uma revisão da literatura

“…Além disso, quanto maior a capacidade do pai para lidar com tarefas fi nanceiras (representada pela renda familiar mensal e pela posse de carros), maior o nível de envolvimento paterno (Shapiro et al, 2011). Em relação à saúde mental do pai, van Ee et al (2013) apontaram a infl uência negativa do estresse pós-traumático sobre a qualidade da relação pai-fi lho.…”

“…Pesquisadores observaram que quanto menor o envolvimento paterno ou a satisfação materna com este envolvimento, mais intensos os sintomas de depressão pós-parto materna (Fagan, & Lee, 2010; e maior a percepção de solidão materna (Shapiro et al, 2011). Além disso, Alexander et al (2010) estudaram expectativas sobre o período de amamentação, encontrando que o apoio do pai infl uenciou signifi cativamente na intenção e no posterior envolvimento da mãe na amamentação.…”

Father Involvement: Construction of a Theoretical Model Based on a Literature Review

“…Researchers found that the more limited the father's initial involvement, or the lower the mother's satisfaction with this involvement, the more intense the symptoms of maternal postpartum depression (Fagan, & Lee, 2010;Sé-journé, Beaumé, et al, 2012; and the greater the sense of maternal loneliness (Shapiro et al, 2011). In addition, Alexander et al (2010), found that the father's support signifi cantly infl uenced the mother's intention and subsequent involvement in breastfeeding.…”

“…Frascarolo et al (2005) reported stronger family alliances when the father was more participative. In a third study, Shapiro et al (2011) found associations between positive father involvement and: (a) better prenatal care during pregnancy, (b) fewer cases of domestic physical violence, and (c) higher family income.…”

“…Moreover, the greater the father's ability to provide for his family (refl ected in family income and car ownership), the higher the level of father involvement (Shapiro et al, 2011). The father's mental health also affects his parenting involvement.…”