Childcare involvement, parenting satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction among fathers with substance use disorder and their non-substance-abusing partners

Abstract

The present study examined the division of childcare among fathers diagnosed with substance use disorder and their non-substance-abusing partners, and how satisfaction with childcare responsibilities and with partners’ parenting were related to relationship satisfaction. Mothers reported more responsibility for the supervision of children’s activities and arranging for childcare, but there were no differences between parents on transporting children to activities, taking care of children when they were ill, and taking time off to attend doctor’s visits and school meetings. Satisfaction with their partners as parents predicted men’s relationship satisfaction. Mothers’ satisfaction with the division of childcare and their partners as parents predicted women’s relationship satisfaction. Paternal involvement in childcare appears important for relationship satisfaction in two-parent families in which fathers have substance use disorder.