Family of Origin Processes and Attitudes of Expectant Fathers

Abstract

This study examined the association between family of origin experiences of expectant fathers and their attitudes about father involvement. Using structural equation modeling and multiple regression analysis with a sample of 152 couples, we tested an ecosystemic model of fathering and examined the relative strength of the modeling hypothesis and the compensation hypothesis for linking these constructs. We found that expectant fathers who were either very close to their parents or very distant from their parents during childhood had more positive attitudes about father involvement. In addition, expectant fathers who believed that their own fathers were competent in their paternal roles had stronger attitudes about fatherhood. The findings also showed that expectant fathers who believed that their parents disagreed about child rearing and discipline rules while they were growing up had more positive attitudes about fatherhood. Several current family factors were also shown to be positively associated with attitudes about fatherhood.