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Why the institution of fatherhood is taking so long to change

In working-class Russian families, conservative stereotypes about men's roles as breadwinners and homemakers prevail. Fathers tend to be emotionally distant, rarely involved in childcare. However, some young fathers are trying to break this mold by showing emotional involvement and equal parenting. This change is slow and often met wit...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Journal of Social Policy Studies·DateFeb 28, 2018

Preemies' dads more stressed than moms after NICU

A Northwestern University study reveals that fathers of premature babies exhibit higher stress levels after being discharged from the hospital compared to their mothers. The cortisol levels in fathers' saliva increased steadily over 14 days at home, while those of mothers remained stable.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing·DateDec 4, 2017

Teenage depression linked to father's depression

A new study by University College London researchers found a significant association between fathers' depressive symptoms and their teenage children's symptoms of depression. The study, which analyzed data from two large longitudinal studies, suggests that family-focused interventions should also target fathers to prevent depression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2017

Depressed fathers risk not getting help

A new study from Lund University reveals that depression among new fathers may be more common than previously thought and often goes undetected. The established screening method for depression in mothers is found to work poorly on men, with symptoms such as irritability and low self-control being overlooked.

SourceLund University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Psychology·DateNov 6, 2017

Is he really that into you?

Women who experienced painful father-child relationships perceive greater mating intent in men and exhibit increased sexual arousal when viewing male faces. This study highlights the potential for early childhood experiences to shape adult mating behavior and increase the likelihood of engaging in unrestricted or risky sexual activity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 1, 2017

Researchers document changes in teenage parenthood

Researchers found that teen fathers are less likely to provide financial support, but teen parents are staying in school longer and have seen an uptick in income. The study suggests that factors like the 'cougar effect' and improved reporting of teenage males may contribute to the growth in teenage paternity.

SourceIndiana University·JournalChild & Youth Care Forum·DateSep 19, 2017

Sibling bonding is stronger when dad's around

A study published in Springer's Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that paternal half-siblings in olive baboons develop stronger bonds when their shared father is present. This challenges the long-held assumption that maternal kin dominate primate social behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 18, 2017

Older dads have 'geekier' sons

A new study suggests that children of older fathers are more intelligent and focused on their interests, with better educational and career prospects. The researchers found that 'geekier' children tend to perform better in school exams, particularly in STEM subjects.

SourceKing's College London·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 20, 2017

Take control to become a better parent

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that a parent's outlook on life can have a profound influence on their child's behavior, eating, and sleeping patterns. Internally controlled parents tend to exhibit traits such as persistence, responsibility, and delayed gratification, which positively impact their children's deve...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

When does a man say 'I'm the father'?

A study analyzing 5.4 million births found that men are more likely to acknowledge paternity when the mother has good health, education, and private insurance. This can lead to better birth outcomes for children, including higher Apgar scores and lower rates of complications.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateFeb 15, 2017

Engaging fathers in parenting intervention improves outcomes for both kids and fathers

A NYU study found that a parenting program where fathers engage with their children through reading improves parents' skills and enhances preschoolers' school readiness and behavior. Fathers from low-income communities saw significant improvements in discipline approaches and language development, with a moderate effect on child langua...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateJan 23, 2017

A father's influence makes for better grades

A new study found that fathers' warmth positively affects teenagers' optimism, self-efficacy, and academic achievement. Fathers' involvement is particularly beneficial for low-income families, leading to better math grades and language ability in girls and boys.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 16, 2016

Vast majority of impoverished fathers involved with their children

Despite President Obama's criticism, a new study suggests that the vast majority of impoverished fathers are involved with their children, including those who have been incarcerated. The research reveals concrete examples of father involvement, such as writing letters and maintaining relationships through phone calls and visitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFamilies in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services·DateOct 3, 2016

Dads play key role in child development

Research from Michigan State University found that fathers' parenting-related stress has a direct impact on children's cognitive and language development, even after controlling for mothers' influences. Fathers' mental health also affects their children's behavior problems and social skills, particularly in later childhood.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJul 14, 2016

How to spot elder abuse and neglect in the ER: Things are not always as they seem

Emergency physicians face a growing challenge as the Baby Boomer generation ages; they need to balance documenting findings and referring patients with their obligations to prevent misunderstandings. Two studies highlight the importance of a team-based approach, including social workers and law enforcement, to identify elder abuse.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 22, 2016

Single mothers much more likely to live in poverty than single fathers, study finds

A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers earn significantly less than single fathers, widening the gender gap. Single mothers are more likely to live in poverty and struggle financially due to lack of child support, whereas single fathers tend to be better off financially after a divorce.