Paternal Involvement: a Review of the Factors Influencing Father Involvement and Outcomes

This review explores research surrounding the concept of father involvement and its effects on child development. Research to-date has primarily focused on the maternal role in child development and has often discounted or failed to report on the positive effects of fathers’ presence on their children. Scholars are primarily in agreement that there are several systemic aspects that influence the quality and quantity of father involvement with their children. Included in this review are maternal attitudes on paternal involvement, paternal beliefs and attitudes and child characteristics. Although each is examined separately in this review, research suggests that any combination of these factors can contribute to the level of paternal involvement. Also investigated in this review are the potential developmental outcomes on children with significant levels of paternal involvement. Studies support the conclusion that an increased level of both the quantity and quality of paternal involvement produces positive affects on children’s social, emotional and cognitive development, as well a significant impact on the avoidance of delinquent and/or risky behavior. This review will synthesize research on both the influences pertaining to paternal involvement and the outcomes associated with it.