What does this research mean for the field?

Intensive parenting standards increasingly shape paternal practices and identities, requiring sustained emotional and cognitive labor that creates tension with fathers' personal wellbeing and romantic relationships. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to understand fathers' experiences and meanings within the framework of intensive parenting.

June 10, 2026Journal of Family Issues

Intensive Fathering: A Qualitative Study on Fathers’ Perspectives

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This research aims to understand fathers' experiences and meanings within the framework of intensive parenting.
Conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 partnered fathers of preschool-aged children (3–5 years old).
Utilized reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes from interviews.
Fathers emphasized emotional availability and relational connection as fundamental to their parenting role.
Reported a focus on fostering development through intentional enrichment activities.
Highlighted tension between intensive parenting demands and personal well-being, affecting romantic relationships.

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals how fathers navigate intensive parenting expectations for emotional and developmental engagement.

Cite This Study

McGregor et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a29012e6f82f25be989d8ce https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513x261459406

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Intensive Fathering: A Qualitative Study on Fathers’ Perspectives

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Intensive Fathering: A Qualitative Study on Fathers’ Perspectives

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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