Examining how fathers’ experience of childhood trauma and current coparenting quality contribute to paternal involvement

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association between fathers’ experience of childhood trauma (CT) and paternal involvement and whether the severity of the fathers’ psychological symptoms and the quality of their coparenting relationship contribute to this association. Background: CT is associated with long-term mental health and interpersonal functioning; therefore experiences of CT may have implications for fathers’ later paternal involvement. Method: The study sample included 366 fathers from Quebec, Canada, with children aged birth to 6 years, who completed measures assessing their CT, psychological health, quality of their current coparenting relationship, and levels of paternal involvement. Path analyses were conducted. Results: No direct association between CT and paternal involvement was observed. However, CT predicted higher levels of psychological symptoms and a poorer coparenting relationship. In turn, psychological symptoms were associated with lower levels of emotional support toward the child, whereas the quality of the coparenting relationship predicted levels of psychological involvement in fatherhood and fathers’ engagement in emotional support, physical care, stimulating activities, and child-related responsibilities. Conclusion: The findings suggest an indirect association between CT and paternal involvement, primarily through the association between CT and the coparenting relationship. Implications: This study highlights the importance of interventions that support coparenting quality and address psychological symptoms in fathers who have experienced CT.