ABSTRACT

Involved Fathering and Men's Adult Development is an interdisciplinary book that synthesizes theoretical, empirical, and anecdotal writings from different fields and provides an analysis of extensive interviews with 40 fathers. Along with the exploration of the distinct contribution that fathers make to their children's development, the author pursues the parallel theme of the effect this involvement has on the fathers' own development in adulthood.

This book will provide its readers with a realistic and useful beginning point to bring a synthesis of developmental theories, family studies perspectives, and men's insights about fathering that will enhance our academic understanding of fathering and adult development. This book can also spark reflective and practical application for fathers and families, whether readers are academicians, practitioners, policymakers, or fathers in the trenches.

part 1|87 pages

Foundations for Understanding Fathering and Development

chapter 1|21 pages

The Effects of Parenting on Adult Development

What the Theories and Data Tell Us

chapter 2|9 pages

A Research Plan

Forty Fathers, Their Situations, and What They Can Tell Us

chapter 3|33 pages

Men's Construction of the Fathering Role

Balancing the Demands of What It Means to Be a Dad Today

chapter 4|22 pages

Fathering and the Life Course

part 2|70 pages

The Self Domain

chapter 6|36 pages

Faith of Our Fathers

The Relationships Between Involved Fathering and Men's Faith, Morals, and Values

chapter 7|15 pages

Fathering and Perceived Changes in Health

part 3|57 pages

The Social Domain

chapter 8|21 pages

Being a Father and Being a Husband

The Effects of Fathering on Intimate Relationships

chapter 9|16 pages

Fathers in Families

The Effects of Engaged Fatherhood on Relationships With Relatives

chapter 10|18 pages

The Social World of Fathers

Friends and Community Involvement

part 4|18 pages

The Work Domain

chapter 11|16 pages

Provisional Balances

The Effects of Fathering on Work and Career Development

part 5|31 pages

Summary, Evaluations, and Applications

chapter 12|19 pages

Cost–Benefits Analyses

chapter 13|10 pages

Provisional Balances Revisited