The Role of Father Involvement in Personality Change in Men across the Transition to Parenthood

While an active father gains rewards form his involvement, he is likely to experience some disappointing consequences, as well. This study finds that fathers of boys decreased in self-esteem across the transition to parenthood. This change in self-esteem is predicted by father involvement with his child, with more involved fathers declining most in self-esteem. The difficulties of involved parenthood, however, ultimately may serve as catalysts to healthy adult development.