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Fathers’ type of debt matters for teenagers’ mental health

A Rutgers University study found that teenagers whose fathers are behind on paying child support suffer from more behavioral problems than those with other types of parental debt. Child support debt can lead to negative consequences for adolescent outcomes, including increased conflict and reduced physical and mental health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences·DateSep 29, 2021

Parental alienation, partner abuse: Two sides of same coin, says CSU social psychologist

A new study by CSU social psychologist Jennifer Harman finds that parental alienating behaviors closely resemble coercively controlling violence, intimate terrorism, and battery. The research highlights power imbalances in families affected by parental alienation, emphasizing the need to treat it similarly to other forms of abuse.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 16, 2021

Study outlines factors that help engage nonresident fathers in child welfare efforts

A recent study by North Carolina State University highlights key factors that facilitate engaging nonresident fathers in child welfare efforts. The study found that social service providers who work with male social workers and incorporate specific values and mindsets into their practice can effectively engage fathers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalResearch on Social Work Practice·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2021

New studies in indigenous languages

Researchers examine the biographical information of individual heritage language speakers, highlighting the significance they place on their language in everyday life. The study sheds light on the maintenance and revitalization of minority cultures through the personal experiences of indigenous activists.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateMar 18, 2021

School closures 'sideline' working mothers

New research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that school closures disproportionately affect mothers' labor force participation, with a 23 percentage point gap in some states. Mothers' work attachment fell more significantly than fathers', and the gender gap is expected to have long-lasting effects on lifetime earnings.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGender & Society·DateMar 12, 2021

Research indicates gender disparity in academic achievement and leadership positions

A recent study discovered a significant gap in leadership opportunities for women, particularly mothers, who demonstrate high academic achievement. Despite having similar leadership prospects as fathers with low GPAs, women face barriers in securing promotions due to factors such as household responsibilities and biased promotion pract...

Playtime with dad may improve children's self-control

Research suggests that playtime with fathers from a young age can help children control their behavior and emotions. Fathers tend to engage in more physical play, which is well-suited for developing these skills. The study found a correlation between father-child play and children's ability to regulate their feelings and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Review·DateJun 29, 2020

Does flexible work 'work' for Aussie parents?

An Australian study found that formal flexible work arrangements alone are not enough to meet the demands of working mothers and fathers. Informal 'catch-up' strategies, such as performing family-related tasks at work or leaving early, were common among parents. The researchers recommend employers provide transparent information about ...

Same-sex male couples losing out on paid parental leave

A new study found that same-sex male couples are excluded from equal paid parental leave opportunities, with only four countries offering the same amount of leave. The research highlights the need for policymakers to address gender-restrictive language and provide inclusive policies for all parents, regardless of sex or partnership sta...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalJournal of Social Policy·DateSep 5, 2019

How fathers, children should spend time together

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that fathers who choose to devote their time to engaging with their children on non-workdays are developing the best relationships. Play activities, particularly those centered around the child's interests, are also crucial in building a strong father-child bond.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 11, 2019

Fathers aid development of larger brains

A study by University of Zurich researchers found that fathers' reliable care is crucial for brain development, while help from other group members is less essential. This discovery explains why some animal species with large-brained mammals have bigger brains due to their fathers' dependable assistance.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 3, 2019

Sleep and exercise affect new moms differently than new dads

A study found that new mothers who slept more had greater well-being, while fathers who slept more reported lower overall well-being. The researchers also discovered that on days when fathers exercised more, there was a lower likelihood of arguments with their partners.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateApr 30, 2019

Keep calm and don't carry on when parenting teens

A recent study found that parents' ability to self-regulate and think flexibly is crucial in navigating conflicts with teenagers. Fathers were less capable of set-shifting and physiological regulation than mothers, leading to more hostile behavior. However, better-set-shifting fathers could counteract dysregulation and reduce angry res...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Time parents spend with children key to academic success

A large study found that parental time has a powerful impact on educational achievement. The longer a parent is absent, the less impact their education has on their child's success. Mothers' education levels have a stronger effect than fathers', particularly in larger families where mothers spend more time with children.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateFeb 4, 2019

For preterm infants, skin-to-skin contact affects hormone levels -- and may promote parental engagement

Skin-to-skin contact between preterm infants and their parents influences hormone levels related to attachment and stress. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels during skin-to-skin contact are associated with higher parental engagement scores, suggesting a potential benefits of promoting early contact for preterm infants.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateOct 18, 2018