Exploring the determinants of discipline and monitoring among non-resident African American fathers

Abstract

Available research evidence suggests the importance of positive parental discipline and monitoring for the well-being of African American children and adolescents. Given the potential impact of these practices on child development, it is important to explore the ways in which non-resident African American fathers engage in the discipline and monitoring of their children. The objective of this study was to determine those factors that best predict discipline and monitoring among a sample of 98 non-resident African American fathers, from fatherhood programs in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Surveys were self-administered and included topics related to father factors (developmental history, parenting self-efficacy, and incarceration history), child factors (child age and child sex), and contextual factors (co-parenting alliance). Respondents ranged in age from 20 to 59 (Mean = 37, SD = 7.95) and had at least one non-resident child between the ages of 5 and 17. Bivariate correlation results revealed that higher levels of parenting self-efficacy were associated with having younger children, more positive co-parenting alliances, and increased frequency of engagement in discipline and monitoring of children. In addition, positive perceptions of the co-parenting alliance were associated with having younger children and higher levels of engagement in discipline and monitoring of children. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis results revealed two significant predictors of discipline and monitoring practices—level of education and parenting self-efficacy. Practitioners and service providers should consider implementing interventions that can improve educational outcomes and promote parenting self-efficacy among non-resident African American fathers, thereby enhancing their parenting skills and the well-being of African American children and adolescents.