Factors influencing the confidence of fathers in their paternal role during early childhood

Background: This study explores the factors influencing the paternal role confidence of fathers with young children aged 1 to 3 years in Korea from 01 June to 10 July 2024. Methods: The research examines the relationship between positive parenting behaviors, parenting stress, and paternal role confidence, with a focus on how these variables differ according to the general characteristics of fathers, such as age, income, and the developmental stage of the child. Results: The study found that higher paternal role confidence is positively correlated with active positive parenting behaviors and negatively correlated with parenting stress. Significant differences in positive parenting behaviors and stress were observed across different age groups of fathers and children, suggesting that these factors should be considered when developing support programs aimed at enhancing paternal role confidence. By situating the study in South Korea, the findings provide insights into how cultural and societal factors shape paternal experiences, particularly in a context of evolving family dynamics and gender roles. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of reducing parenting stress and promoting active involvement of fathers in parenting to improve child development outcomes.

Paternal role confidence; Parenting stress; Positive parenting behaviors; South Korea; Early childhood parenting

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