ABSTRACT
Paul Amato has done an impressive job of summarizing much of the recent evidence that highlights effects of fathering on the development and functioning of children and young adults, both in maritally intact and father-absent homes. In order to assess the effects of mothering, fathering, and co-parenting on externalizing problems and inhibition, hierarchical regression analyses were used which consists of three steps. First entered were the predictors of early positive emotionality, negative emotionality, and their interaction, in order to control for the effects of early temperament and thus discount rival interpretations of family influences emphasizing child effects. The second block of predictors consisted of the grand composite measures of positive-minus-negative mothering and positive-minus-negative fathering and the interaction of these two parenting terms. A third block of variables was entered, which included the grand unsupportive-minus-supportive index of co-parenting, as well as two interaction terms reflecting the interaction of this co-parenting measure with each of the composite measures of mothering and fathering.
