| Amato, P.R. and Gilbreth, J.G. (1999).
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| Nonresident Fathers and Children's Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis.
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| Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61, 557-573.
Amato and Gilbreth reviewed 63 different
research studies regarding the influence of non-resident fathers upon
their children. The results of the study in some cases were expected
but others were very surprising.
First, they found that timely payment of child support
significantly enhanced the children's economic well-being and
increased their health, educational attainment and general well
being. Second, children do better when they have frequent contact with
their non-resident fathers over long periods of time and engage in
diverse activities. Strong emotional bonds and feelings of
interdependence characterized these relationships. Third, frequency of
contact was only modestly related to the children's well
being. Increased visitation alone did not improve emotional health
when fathers failed to be authoritative parents.
Amato and Gilbeth note, "Not sharing a residence with
children makes it difficult for men to enact the parental role. But
some highly motivated non-resident fathers find ways to act like
authoritative parents rather than adult companions. When they do,
their children may benefit." (p. 558).
Authoritative parenting includes providing consistent
emotional support, praising accomplishments and disciplining
misbehavior. More specifically, these behaviors include responsiveness
to the child's needs, encouragement, instruction, clear and consistent
rules and discipline and everyday assistance. (For further
information, see Heatherington above.) They conclude that both boys
and girls benefit from the involvement of non-resident fathers.
ANALYSIS
Meta analysis is a very sophisticated statistical
procedure that can be used for comparing studies performed on the same
topic to determine the consistency of their findings. This study
generates broad and important findings on a subject that has been
poorly understood in the past.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This research confirms that being a Disneyland Dad is
not good for children. While a father may feel it is important that
children have fun during his periods of possession, these results show
that such activities alone do not form a sufficient basis for rearing
emotionally healthy children.
It is the way fathers relate to children that is most
important. While attorneys may wrangle over visitation schedules, the
best interest of children is served when a non-residential father
fulfills his authoritarian role, rather than how frequently he visits.
Attorneys and mental health professionals often hear
fathers say, "I'll just go away and let them start a new life," or
"They're better off without me." This study brings together 30 years
of research to show that such statements are not in the best interest
of children.
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