A Mixed Methods Study of the Challenges and Rewards of Fatherhood in a Diverse Sample of U.S. Fathers

Fathers contribute to healthy child development, but there are limited data that provide an in-depth understanding of fathers’ perceptions the challenges and rewards fatherhood. We recruited 122 fathers from three different ethnic groups living in Atlanta, Georgia conduct a mixed-methods research study on Challenges included financial responsibilities (56%), sleep-deprivation (47%), work-family conflict (44%), negative changes their relationship with partner (43%), children crying whining (23%). Ninety seven percent agreed having added meaning life when asked. Many indicated infused invaluable sense purpose, inspired them become better people. The most common spontaneously mentioned witnessing developmental milestones (38%), experiencing as extension oneself (26%), children’s accomplishments feeling loved by (20%). In quantitative analyses, higher self-reported quality family was associated full-time, fewer children, getting more sleep, planned first child, minimal stress. Finally, reported increases positive affect decreases over course interviews, suggesting they benefited psychologically reflecting sharing experience fathers.