Trend and Perspectives of Studies on Paternal Parenting in Pediatric Nursing

Kwon, In Soo

Abstract

The significance of father's parenting has been considered as a critical factor in facilitating growth and development and in promoting well-being of children. Pediatric nursing is a pertinent science to develop parenting roles, because it deals with knowledge and skills on growth and development and health of child. For this paper current studies were reviewed related to consequences to the family, content and factors influencing paternal parenting, and father's reactions to child rearing participation. Perspectives of future studies in pediatric nursing are summarized as follows. First, paternal parenting has to be studied more actively to contribute to family health and to meet the academic responsibility of pediatric nursing. Second, it is necessary to study the consequences to child's health and health behavior of paternal parenting. Also it is necessary to be concerned about fathers' reactions, like stress in parenting behavior, to understand the parenting father himself. Third, an objective measure of caregiving behavior (not self-reporting) is needed to determine whether the father is behaving appropriately. Further, experimental research has to be implemented to develop intervention programs for paternal parenting. It is hoped that the examination of these studies leads to develop of knowledge and practice in paternal parenting.