Natasha Cabrera|Sandra L. Hofferth|Soo Eun Chae
Patterns and predictors of father–infant engagement across race/ethnic groups
University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland, College Park
study examines whether levels father engagement eg verbal stimulation caregiving physical play vary raceethnicity using model controls fathers human capital mental health family relationships also tests whether models work similarly across raceethnic groups sample n 5089 infants families drawn early childhood longitudinal studybirth cohort eclsb found including controls african american latino fathers higher levels engagement caregiving physical play activities white fathers differences verbal stimulation activities across raceethnicity fathers education college level predicted verbally stimulating activities whereas fathers report couple conflict predicted less caregiving physical play although levels engagement differed across groups overall models differ raceethnicity except physical play african american mothers reported high levels depressive symptoms partners engaged physical play white mothers high levels depressive symptoms