Fathering dynamics: Linking depressive symptomology, parenting stress, and paternal warmth with beliefs in paternal role.

Abstract

Research has established the impact of paternal depression on fathering behaviors and child outcomes. Despite this, less is known about the mechanisms linking paternal depressive symptomology to paternal warmth, particularly regarding the role of parenting stress and beliefs in the centrality of the paternal role. The aim of this study was to examine factors potentially associated with paternal warmth. Specifically, we explored the association between paternal depressive symptomology and paternal warmth, examining the mediating role of paternal parenting stress in this association. Moreover, we tested the moderated role of beliefs in the centrality of the paternal role in the association between paternal parenting stress and paternal warmth. We utilized a subsample of fathers (n = 756; Mage = 34.3) with young children from the Survey of Contemporary Fatherhood study. Moderated mediation analysis was performed to test the association between paternal depressive symptomology, parenting stress, paternal warmth, and beliefs in the centrality of the paternal role among fathers. Results indicate a significant association between higher paternal depressive symptomology and increased parenting stress, which, in turn, was associated with reduced paternal warmth. Furthermore, positive beliefs in the centrality of the paternal role buffered the association between parenting stress and paternal warmth. These findings underscore the importance of considering parenting stress and fathering beliefs in psychosocial intervention programs aimed at improving fathering behaviors. Targeting fathers with mental health problems and negative parenting beliefs in intervention approaches may yield the most significant benefits. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).