Digest #3: How Visiting Dads Contribute to Their Children's Well Being
Amato, P.R. and Gilbreth, J.G. (1999). Nonresident Fathers and Children's Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis. 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.