Fathering and Child Outcomes

What is fathering? And why should we be so concerned about its relation to child outcomes? Fathers were often assumed to be on the periphery of children's lives and of little direct importance to children's development. Since the mid-1980s, however, the role of 'father's involvement' has been one of the major themes in child developmental research and the focus has evolved from describing what fathers do, to discussing what they should do with their children. Eirini Flouri combines an analysis of the international literature with her own unique studies that observe the long-term effects of fathering on child development. The findings of this major research programme relate to important domains in children's lives, such as mental health, educational achievement and quality of later life relationships. Those who work to improve children's well-being will also find chapters devoted to key issues such as children with non-resident fathers and adolescents with aggressive behaviour. "This book by a distinguished Oxford scholar presents the scientific case for the importance of father involvement for child development and adjustment in later life. It should be read by all professionals, researchers, and policy makers concerned with child health, education and welfare." Dr Alan Carr, Director of the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, University College DublinFlouri, Eirini is the author of 'Fathering and Child Outcomes', published 2005 under ISBN 9780470861684 and ISBN 0470861681.