Examining the link between parental relationship functioning and parent sensitivity: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Fathers remain neglected in attachment research, despite paternal sensitivity being important for children's development. Past research suggested that fathers' parenting may be influenced by contextual factors, including relationship functioning between parents. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis examined the association between paternal sensitivity and parental relationship functioning, and compared the magnitude of associations to those of maternal sensitivity. METHOD: = 4,616 fathers (mean father age: 31.7 years; mean child age: 19.1 months). All studies included an observational measure of paternal sensitivity and a measure of parental relationship functioning. RESULTS: = .09, 95% CI [.03, .15]).. Associations were similar for mothers and fathers. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to our understanding of factors that enhance paternal sensitivity. IMPLICATIONS: The results of this research may inform family-wide intervention and prevention efforts to support child well-being.