Access Type

Open Access Dissertation

Date of Award

January 2011

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Douglas Barnett

Abstract

ABSTRACT

NONRESIDENT FATHERS PARENTING AND CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

by

HEMA OSHOONE MASON

August 2011

Advisor: Dr. Douglas Barnett

Major: Psychology

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology (Cognitive, Developmental and Social Psychology)

This study investigated the statistical relations between nonresident father involvement and various child outcomes over time. Specifically, the present study examined specific aspects of nonresident father involvement that included (a) paternal warmth, (b) emotional closeness, and (c) involvement in school related activities. The particular child outcomes under investigation included positive behaviors including self-esteem, social competence and self-control. The problem behaviors that were examined were child externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression, rule breaking) and internalizing behaviors (e.g., withdrawal, anxiety, depression), taken from the Behavior Problems Index (BPI) measure, which assesses the occurrence and severity of child behavioral problems. Using data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Study, 139 children and their nonresident fathers were included in the study. Interviewers contacted families to explain the study, obtained permission for participation, mailed instruction letters and measures. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with mothers and children. Telephone interviews were conducted with nonresident fathers. Regression analyses were conducted to predict the relations between father involvement and child behaviors at Time 1 and Time 2. Results revealed that neither nonresident father's warmth nor participation in school related activities contributed significantly to problem behaviors or positive behaviors at either time points. Recommendations for more concerted efforts to include fathers in research studies are discussed.

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