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Family ties that bind: Maternal grandparents are more involved in the lives of their grandchildren

A recent study found that maternal grandparents were more likely to maintain daily or weekly contact with their grandchildren than paternal grandparents. The research suggests psychological mechanisms rooted in evolutionary history, where women are always related by maternity, making family ties through the mother more significant.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateDec 18, 2007

Children of depressed moms do better when dad is involved, SLU researcher finds

A new study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine suggests that children whose mothers are depressed do better when their fathers are actively engaged in family life. An involved father can serve as a buffer, reducing the risk of problem behaviors such as aggression, hyperactivity, depression, and anxiety.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 14, 2007

Health-care providers could help avert depression in fathers of children with fatal cancer

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that parents' intellectual and emotional awareness time of their child's impending death is strongly associated with future health outcomes. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in reducing long-term depression, employment issues, and psychological problems by providing adequate in...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 20, 2007

Daddies' girls choose men just like their fathers

A study published in Evolution and Human Behaviour found that women who had positive relationships with their fathers were more likely to select partners who resembled them. The research used facial measurements to investigate the relationship between fathers' facial features and the faces of attractive partners.

SourceDurham University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJun 12, 2007

Family favorite? Study says parents, sibs see imbalances in parents' attention differently

A University of Illinois study explores how family members perceive unequal treatment by parents, revealing that siblings who share a common understanding of parental behavior tend to get along better. The research emphasizes the significance of open dialogue and active listening among family members.

Styles of conflict between parents have different implications for children and families

A new study examines how different conflict styles between parents affect children's mental health and adjustment. Different types of conflict may have distinct implications for mothers' and fathers' parenting duties, with fathers' emotional unavailability having a greater impact on children's psychological problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2006

Scent of father checks daughter's maturity

Chemical cues from fathers may be delaying the onset of sexual maturity in daughters as part of an evolutionary strategy to prevent inbreeding. Researchers found that girls without fathers matured approximately three months before those whose fathers were present, with urban environments also linked to earlier menarche.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateSep 11, 2006

Daddy counts

This study explores the role of low-income fathers in their children's development, finding that supportive father-child interactions predict better language and cognitive outcomes. Fathers' involvement also affects mothers' parenting styles, promoting a positive cycle of care.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2004

Study shows impact of emotionally healthy fathers when mothers' poor mental health affects children

A new study finds that a father's mental health has a significant impact on a child's behavioral and emotional problems, especially if the mother is struggling with depression. The research suggests that emotionally healthy fathers can substantially reduce the negative influence of a mother's poor mental health.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

Questions on outdoor recreation not seen the same by men & women

A study found that men and women have distinct answers when asked about their favorite outdoor activities, with women often citing family-oriented pursuits. This suggests that traditional questionnaire structures may not account for differences in how men and women interpret questions about outdoor recreation preferences and behavior.

Involved fathers key for children

A recent study by Dr Eirini Flouri and Ann Buchanan found that involved fathers are associated with improved academic motivation, reduced psychological distress, and better life outcomes for children. The research, based on 17,000 UK-born children, highlights the importance of father involvement in childhood and adolescence.

Father's alcohol abuse, depression and other problems shown to impact negatively on children's development

Research finds that fathers' alcohol abuse and depression are associated with emotional and behavioral problems in children, including anxiety and depression. The study also highlights the importance of considering maternal depression when evaluating the effects of paternal alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInfant Mental Health Journal Infancy and Early Childhood·DateJul 12, 2001

How parents can keep teen siblings from fighting

A new study found that parents who value autonomy are less likely to respond harshly to sibling conflicts, leading to reduced fighting between teens. The amount of time spent together with teen children is also crucial in maintaining a warm sibling relationship.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 16, 2000

Study: Thoughts of fathers often trouble Vietnamese Amerasians

A new study at Ohio State University suggests that Vietnamese Amerasians' thoughts and feelings about their American biological fathers play a powerful role in how well they adjust to life in the United States. The study found that those who reported frequent thoughts of their biological father experienced higher levels of psychologica...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·DateApr 26, 2000

Mother's Promiscuity Serves Children Of The Bari

Among the Bari of Venezuela, promiscuous mothers who have secondary fathers benefit their children's survival rates. The study found that children with secondary fathers had an 80% survival rate compared to 64% for those without. Small food gifts during times of scarcity are believed to be the primary reason for this increase.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateFeb 19, 1998

Adoptive Parents Favor Opening Sealed Records

A Cornell University study found that New York adoptive parents are overwhelmingly in favor of laws allowing adult adoptees access to information in their birth certificates. The study surveyed 1,274 adoptive parents and found that adoptive mothers were more likely to support opening adoption records than fathers. Key findings include ...