Father Participation Research Articles

Official Discourse on Family and Fatherhood in Post-1949 China

This paper aims to investigate three main research questions regarding the history of family and fatherhood in China since 1949: a) What 'ideal father' has the party-state sought to promote at different times? b) How consistent have official messages been? What have been the key shifts in official discourse on family and fatherhood since the Mao era? c) Why have these shifts occurred? Analysis of selected policy statements and print media reveal four main phases, with distinct findings in each. During the period of collectivization (1950s to 70s), the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted the nationalist model of parenting. Fathers were explicitly suggested to devote themselves to economic development. During the period of de-collectivization (late 1970s to mid-1990s), CPC adopted an individualist model of parenting. There was increasing encouragement for father's participant in child education. During the period of marketization (mid 1990s to 2011), CPC promoted a state-supported model of parenting. Father's active participation in household duties was more expected. During the period of individualization (2012 to the present), China set up community model of parenting. Father's dual role of nurturer and provider is more emphasized.

Participação paterna no pré-natal e a saúde da mulher

A gravidez é um processo biológico que envolve além do casal, os familiares, a comunidade e os profissionais de saúde, que tem atuam nesse período, acompanhando do pré-natal ao puerpério. Período importante para que todas as mudanças e decorrentes da gravidez ocorram de forma tranquila. Para o Ministério da Saúde a gravidez também é um assunto para homens, estimular a participação do pai durante esse processo, interagindo com a equipe de saúde, é fundamental para o bem estar biopsicossocial do binômio mãe-bebê e dele próprio, sendo o pré-natal momento oportuno para isso. O estudo objetiva identificar a participação paterna no pré-natal e a saúde da mulher evidenciados nas publicações científicas, analisando fatores que contribuem para essa participação, mostrados nas publicações científicas. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, a pesquisa foi feita mediante busca online nas bases: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Literatura Latino-Americana e do caribe em ciências da saúde e Scientific Electronic Library Online com os descritores: Gravidez, Paternidade e Cuidado Pré-natal. Os estudos foram agrupados em duas categorias, de acordo com a similaridade dos mesmos: A participação do pai no pré-natal e a participação do pai no parto. Concluindo que a participação paterna no acompanhamento do pré-natal e parto é essencial para a mulher, por conta da segurança e confiança que a grávida sente para encarar todas as transformações físicas, podendo assim ser um colaborador na promoção da saúde da companheira quando grávida, e ajudando na aproximação dessa família trazendo assim qualidade de vida.

Decision-Making Process in Female Genital Mutilation: A Systematic Review.

Female genital mutilation/cutting “FGM/C” is a deep-rooted damaging practice. Despite the growing efforts to end this practice, the current trends of its decline are not enough to overcome the population’s underlying growth. The aim of this research is to investigate the FGM/C household decision-making process and identify the main household decision-makers. A review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted by searching PubMed, JSTOR, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO, and CINAHL Plus via systematic search using keywords. The found publications were screen using inclusion and exclusion criteria in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After critical appraisal, seventeen articles were included in this review. The data extracted from the articles regarding FGM/C household-decision making process and decision-makers were analyzed using narrative analysis. FGM/C decision-making process varies from a region to another; however, it generally involves more than one individual, and each one has different power over the decision. Fathers, mothers, and grandmothers are the main decision-makers. It was shown from this review that opening the dialogue regarding FGM/C between sexes may lead to a productive decision-making process. The participation of fathers in the decision-making may free the mothers from the social-pressure and responsibility of carrying on traditions and create a more favorable environment to stop FGM/C practice.

Father–child literacy teaching activities as a unique predictor of Chinese preschool children's word reading skills

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between the frequency of mother–child and father–child literacy teaching activities and the reading skills of Chinese preschool children. A total of 105 Hong Kong Chinese preschoolers and their fathers and mothers were involved. Fathers and mothers independently reported the frequency of their own literacy teaching activities (i.e., reading Chinese characters, recognizing Chinese characters based on their pronunciations and writing Chinese characters). Children were tested individually on their Chinese word reading skills, receptive vocabulary and verbal memory. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relations between mother–child and father–child literacy teaching activities and children's reading skills. The results showed that, although mothers engaged in home literacy teaching activities more frequently than did fathers, the participation of fathers—and not mothers—in Chinese literacy teaching activities significantly predicted their children's Chinese reading skills after controlling for vocabulary, verbal memory and demographic variables (i.e., parental education, the child's age and gender). The results highlight the importance of paternal involvement in home education for Chinese preschoolers' literacy learning.HighlightsThis study examines the relation between mother–child and father–child literacy teaching activities and preschoolers' reading skills.Based on parental questionnaires and children's individual tests, the participation of fathers in Chinese literacy teaching activities significantly predicts their children's reading skills.The results highlight the importance of paternal involvement in home education for Chinese preschoolers' literacy learning.

Popularyzowanie szkół rodzenia w celu podniesienia świadomości przyszłych rodziców

Introduction. Classes at birthing school are designed to prepare a pregnant woman for childbirth and parenthood. They are designed to help parents gain experience on how to cope with the new situation, which is the birth of a child. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the degree of preparation of women for pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood, and fathers for active participation in childbirth and taking care of the new born. The main goal was to determine whether there is a need to popularize birthing schools in order to raise the awareness of future parents. Material and methods. The diagnostic survey covered 400 women aged 15-45 who were pregnant in 2008-2012 including 176 (44%) women participating in childbirth classes (study group) and 224 (56%) women not participating in school activities giving birth (control group). The data obtained as a result of the research were subject to statistical analysis. Most participants of the birthing school decided to give birth. All firstborn babies considered the antenatal course useful in preparing fathers for active participation in childbirth and taking care of the new born baby. Women with higher education, living in cities, more often participated in childbirth classes. Results. Participation in childbirth school contributed to the reduction of parents’ fears and anxieties related to pregnancy, childbirth and facilitated active participation in childbirth and to enter new parental roles safely. Demographic factors such as place of residence, mother’s age, marital status and education were significantly related to the participation of future mothers and fathers in childbirth classes. Conclusions. Participation in childbirth classes improved the quality of life of the pregnant woman. It contributed to the smooth delivery process. It strengthened the bond between the spouses and made it easier to care for the new born baby. This indicates the need to promote childbirth schools in order to raise the awareness of future parents.

Changes and Challenges: Parenting Challenges in Iranian Mothers

Abstract Having adolescents affect many aspects of the parent's lives. The aim of this study was to investigate the parenting challenges within the cultural background of Iranian mothers. The participants consisted of 24 mothers who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed for further analysis. To analyse the data, a thematic analysis was carried out. The analysis of the data shows that for Iranian mothers, parenting challenges are categorised into seven themes: (a) Sense of diminished power and control, (b) Sense of inadequacy, (c) Lack of father's participation, (d) New situation, coping and resolve, (e) Altered relationships issues, (f) Unfulfilled expectations, and (g) Environmental threats. Based on the findings of our study, parenting challenges are culture-bound and controversial, and dealing with them requires parental training.

Annelikle Birlikte Aşkın Değişen Yönü: "İyi Babaysan Seni Daha Çok Severim Kocacım!" - The Changing Direction Of Love Due To Motherhood: "If You Are A Good Father I'm Gonna Love You More My Dear Husband!"

Evlilik ve ana-babalık arasındaki ilişkiyi irdeleyen çalışmaların 1980’li yılların başlarında ortaya çıktığı görülmektedir. Bu doğrultuda Belsky (1981), aile içindeki bireylerin ve ilişkilerin birbirini karşılıklı olarak etkilediğini belirterek, sağlıklı nesiller yetiştirmenin yolunun daha geniş olan aile sistemini anlamadan geçtiğini vurgulamıştır. Belsky’nin' bu yaklaşımını yapısal-işlevselci bir perspektif ile ele aldığımıza; anne ve babanın doğrudan sağlıklı birey, dolaylı yoldan da sağlıklı bir toplum yapılanmasındaki önemini anlamak mümkündür. Çalışma bu noktada eşlerin ebeveynlik rolleri arasındaki uyumun özelde bireye genelde topluma yansıması üzerine odaklanmaktadır. Karı-kocalık rollerine eklemlenen ebeveynlik ile genişleyen aile için doğum süreci, beraberinde getirdiği değişim ve dönüşümle evliliğin de yeniden yapılandırılmasına katkı sağlamaktadır. Yeni bir bireyin aileye katıldığı bu dönemde artık anne ve baba olan eşler yeni olan bu rollerini içselleştirme çabasına girmektedirler. Bu çerçevede çalışma dâhilinde evlilik ve evlilik hayatındaki uyum, aile içi ilişki ve sorumluluklar, ailede ebeveynlik rollerinin önemi, aileye yeni katılan bebek ve ebeveynler, babanın çocuk bakımına katılımını etkileyen unsurlar, babalık rolünün yerine getirilmesinin evlilik hayatı üzerindeki etkileri irdelenmiştir.

ParentWorks: Evaluation of an Online, Father-Inclusive, Universal Parenting Intervention to Reduce Child Conduct Problems

Evidence-based parenting interventions are effective in reducing conduct problems, yet these interventions have limited reach, and few involve the participation of fathers. This paper describes the outcomes of an open trial of ParentWorks, a universal, online, father-inclusive parenting intervention aiming to decrease childhood behavioural problems and promote positive parenting in mothers and fathers. A total of 388 families (456 individual parents; 36.6% fathers) were included in the study. Mixed model analyses showed significant decreases in child emotional/behavioural problems, dysfunctional parenting, interparental conflict, and parental mental health problems. The baseline severity of child behavioural problems significantly moderated the effects on child outcomes so that children with higher levels of problems benefitted more from the program. Participation of both caregivers in two-parent families, as well as parent sex, did not significantly affect the program outcomes. Results provide initial empirical support for the universal, self-directed, online parenting intervention, in addressing both child behavioural problems and parenting outcomes. Trial registration: ACTRN12616001223426, registered 05/09/2016.

The Mediating Effect of Role Commitment in Relationship between Father's Attachment to Their Parents and Father's Participation in Raising Children

The Mediating Effect of Role Commitment in Relationship between Father's Attachment to Their Parents and Father's Participation in Raising Children

The Mediating Effect of Role Commitment in Relationship between Father's Attachment to Their Parents and Father's Participation in Raising Children

The Mediating Effect of Role Commitment in Relationship between Father's Attachment to Their Parents and Father's Participation in Raising Children

Babanın Çocuk Bakımına Katılması

Babanın Çocuk Bakımına Katılması

Relação Pai-Filha e Transtornos Alimentares: Revisando a Produção Científica

Resumo Investigou-se a produção científica dedicada ao estudo da relação entre pai e filha com transtornos alimentares. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa nas bases PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed e LILACS, no período de janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2014. Foram selecionados 27 artigos, a maioria proveniente de países europeus e constituída de estudos quantitativos. A vinculação pouco segura com a figura paterna e o relacionamento emocionalmente distante entre pai e filha foram aspectos recorrentes nas publicações selecionadas. Os estudos apontaram a importância de se investigar e assegurar a participação do pai no tratamento. Porém, nenhum dos artigos revisados investigou o envolvimento paterno no contexto da assistência. Destaca-se a necessidade de investir em estudos qualitativos e no contexto brasileiro.

Fathers of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Infants and Toddlers - Experiences, Needs, and Challenges.

Studies on fathers with deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children are quite rare in deaf education; if they are conducted, they narrowly focus on preschool-age or school-age children. The study reported here presents data from a survey on 92 fathers of very young DHH children with a mean age of 26 months. Questionnaires were used to measure the impact of children's hearing loss on parenting, the frequency of fathers' participation in early intervention appointments, and the level of fathers' involvement in daily care as well as in early intervention activities. Furthermore, information on fathers' perceived support from early intervention agencies, general self-efficacy, parenting self-efficacy, and marital satisfaction was assessed. The results confirmed data from other studies addressing fathers with children who have a disability. In particular, a strong relationship between parenting self-efficacy, perceived support by early intervention agencies and activities, and impact of child's hearing loss on parenting became evident. This indicates the importance of participation and involvement of fathers in early intervention activities; therefore, early intervention services must enable fathers to participate as much as possible in sessions.

The participation of fathers in breastfeeding process: knowledge, beliefs, and practices in Kisumu, Kenya

Fathers' support is an essential component in ensuring success in improving infant feeding practices which have the overall impact of reducing infant mortality rates by 19%. Fathers are usually not targeted with information on infant feeding at the health facility or community level. Fathers have been identified as lacking knowledge, hence, not able to support the recommended infant feeding practices. The study was conducted in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, which was selected because of the high infant mortality rate in the region. A nutrition education intervention strategy was employed targeting the fathers with information on breastfeeding and complementary feeding through an experimental study in which 290 father-and-mother to be paired were recruited. There was randomization of study participants into either intervention group (145 pairs) where nutrition education was given, or control group (145 pairs) where nutrition education was not given. Recruitment was of all the women who were 6 months pregnant and attending antenatal clinic at Kisumu County Hospital between January-April 2016. The women gave the contacts of the father-to-be, which enabled follow- up to reach the fathers. Quantitative data were collected from the fathers through a pre-tested structured questionnaire that explored their knowledge of breastfeeding pre-intervention. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions to assess knowledge, beliefs, and practices on breastfeeding pre-intervention and post-intervention (9 months later).Results did not show any significant differences in the knowledge level on breastfeeding of fathers in the intervention and control group pre-intervention (p>0.05).Significant differences were observed post-intervention on knowledge levels on initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth (p =.01), continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond (p =.02) and exclusive breastfeeding (p =.02)and group affiliation. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistically significant change in knowledge of the fathers in the intervention after receiving the nutrition education sessions (Z = -10.181, p = 0.000). The group discussions showed that fathers largely saw their role as the provision of food for maternal and infant feeding pre-intervention in both groups, while fathers reported additional roles postintervention in the intervention group including being a source of motivation and information to the mother. In conclusion, fathers have low knowledge levels on breastfeeding process which in turn affects their influence on breastfeeding practice. Nutrition education involving the fathers increases their knowledge on breastfeeding and influence to breastfeeding practice ultimately contributing to improved breastfeeding practices. Key words : Father, support, inclusion, breastfeeding, nutrition education, knowledge, Kisumu, Kenya

Parental sport achievement and the development of athlete expertise

This study sought to examine how parental sport involvement and attainment were related to the eventual level of competitive sport attained by their children. Athletes (n = 229) were divided into three skill level groups (elite: n = 139; pre-elite: n = 33; non-elite: n = 57), based on the peak competition level achieved in their career, which were compared using chi-squares tests of independence and analyses of variance according to parents sport characteristics provided through the Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire. Parental recreational and competitive sport participation was overrepresented among elite athletes, as were parents who reached an elite level of sport themselves. Results were found to differ according to parent sex, with athlete skill level significantly related to the sport participation and skill level of fathers, but not mothers. Results suggest parental sport experiences at different levels of competition influence the development of athletes, although these relationships are subject to many factors.

Perceived Roles of Fathers in the Promotion, Support and Protection of Breastfeeding

Fathers of young infants have a crucial role to play in the promotion, support and protection of breastfeeding as women often face many challenges during the post-partum period. The World Health Organization recommends paying particular attention to participation by the male partners in child and maternal health as they also have responsibilities and roles to play in nurturing their young ones and supporting their families. The focus of this research was to explore and to describe the perceived roles of fathers in the support, protection and promotion of breastfeeding. This study adopted a qualitative method using an explorative and descriptive design, and the sample included twelve fathers of infants aged less than six months at Schoonoord Village, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo province, South Africa. Using in-depth individual unstructured interviews, data were collected until data saturation was attained and analysed using Tesch’s open-coding method. The findings show that fathers perceive breastfeeding to be the optimum feeding choice for the baby and beneficial to the mother. Provision of emotional and financial support to the women, protection of the mother and the baby, motivation and assistance in seeking healthcare emerged as the key roles of fathers during the breastfeeding period. This study recommends that fathers be involved in breastfeeding counselling and that healthcare providers create an environment that is conducive to the participation of fathers in the topic of infant feeding.

A comprehensive interventional program for promoting father\u2019s participation in the perinatal care: protocol for a mixed methods study

BackgroundThe inclusion of fathers’ participation during the perinatal period is an important strategy for improving mothers’ health. No studies have yet been conducted in Iran to explain the concept, obstacles and facilitators of fathers’ participation during the perinatal period. Thus, this study will be carried out to provide a comprehensive interventional program for promoting fathers’ participation in the perinatal care.MethodsThis study is a sequential exploratory (qualitative – quantitative) mixed methods design that consists of three consecutive phases. In this study, following a qualitative approach, the researchers will explain the concept, obstacles, facilitators and strategies related to promoting fathers’ participation in perinatal care. In the second phase, researchers will design an appropriate and comprehensive interventional program for promoting fathers’ participation in perinatal care by using the results of the qualitative phase and literature reviews. The proposed interventional program is designed by a panel of experts based on prioritization guidelines and will be finalized for execution. In the third stage, the effectiveness of interventional program on the awareness, attitude and practice of fathers about participation in perinatal care will be investigated in a semi-experimental study.DiscussionIt is expected that from the results of the present mixed methods study, by presenting an interventional culturally sensitive program which is appropriate for the conditions of the society for expectant fathers, the participation of fathers in the perinatal period will increase and thus lead to improvements in the health of the mother and the infant. If this interventional program is effective, it could be included in the perinatal health care guidelines.Trial registrationIRCT20160224026756N4 Registered 27 May 2018.

Determinants of Family Mealtime Frequency for Fathers with their Children

This study recognizes the changes of the father’s role and the importance of family mealtimes as well as examines the individual, family and social contexts surrounding the father’s family mealtime. This study analyzed the trend of the father’s family mealtime frequency and factors affecting them in order to explore the current conditions of their father’s work and family balance through family mealtimes. Data from 492 fathers who have school aged children were collected through an online survey. The overall trend of the frequency of father’s family meals showed an average of 2.4 breakfasts and an average of 3.2 dinners per week. The frequency of the father’s family meals showed statistically significant differences according to the father’s age, children’s school age, dual income, weekly working hours, working flexibility, leaving on-time and the priority of work and family. The analysis of hierarchical linear regressions was conducted to determine factors affecting the frequency of father’s family mealtime to show that the frequency of father’s family mealtime was best explained by father’s working conditions and perception variables. Working conditions such as working hours, leaving work on time, working flexibility were significant variables in regards to the father’s family mealtime frequency. The father’s perception towards parental efficacy, wife’s support, and work-family priority were significant factors in regards to the father’s family mealtime frequency. This study is meaningful in that it provides basic data on policy making for the compatibility of the father’s work and family. Keywords: father, father participation, family mealtime, work and family balance

Engaging At-Risk Fathers in Home Visiting Services: Effects on Program Retention and Father Involvement

Healthy Families New York (HFNY) is an evidence-based home visiting program for expectant and new parents in socioeconomically disadvantaged families at elevated risk for child maltreatment and other adverse outcomes. HFNY makes concerted efforts to promote a father-inclusive culture and increase engagement of fathers in all aspects of home visiting. This study describes fathers’ participation in HFNY and examines how fathers’ participation relates to program retention and to father–child coresidency and father involvement. Program data were extracted from HFNY’s data management system. Program participation was measured by whether the father ever participated in a home visit. The sample includes 3341 families enrolled from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015. Program retention, father’s co-residency and father involvement were measured at the child’s 6 months follow-up. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios. Results showed that when fathers participated in home visiting, families were more than four times as likely to be retained in the program. Additionally, fathers who were engaged were more likely to live at home with the child and to remain emotionally involved at 6 months. The data support the advancement of policy and practice to encourage participation of fathers in high-risk families in home visiting services.

Participation of father in perinatal care: a qualitative study from the perspective of mothers, fathers, caregivers, managers and policymakers in Iran

BackgroundThe participation of the father during the perinatal period is an important strategy for improving the mother’s health. Very few studies exist about the father’s role in promoting the health of the mother in Iran; thus, the present study was conducted to examine the role of fathers in perinatal care.MethodsThe present study was a qualitative research. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling with maximum variation and the data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and field notes. The data was analyzed using conventional content analysis.ResultsAfter data analysis, the main categories extracted were: “help in maintaining the health of the mother and fetus”, “emotional support of mother”, “comprehensive participation of father in married life”, “preparing for safe delivery” and “postpartum support”.ConclusionsThe results of the present study provide different perspectives on the participation of fathers when designing culture-based intervention for their participation in perinatal care.