The Effects of the Transition to Parenthood and Subsequent Children on Men’s Well-Being and Social Participation

This study uses data (N = 3,088) from the first two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households to explore the effects of the transition to fatherhood and the addition of subsequent children on men’s psychological and physical health, contacts with extended family, social interactions, a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family issues 2006-11, Vol.27 (11), p.1532-1560
Main Authors: Knoester, Chris, Eggebeen, David J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adjustment (to Environment)
Behavior
Children & youth
Employee Attitudes
Family Income
Family Relationship
Family Size
Family Structure
Fathers
Interpersonal Relationship
Life Stage Transitions
Males
National Survey of Families and Households
National Surveys
One Parent Family
Parent Role
Parenthood
Parenting Styles
Parents & parenting
Participation
Physical Health
Predictor Variables
Psychological Patterns
Quality of life
Social interaction
Social Participation
Well Being
Wellbeing
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Summary:This study uses data (N = 3,088) from the first two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households to explore the effects of the transition to fatherhood and the addition of subsequent children on men’s psychological and physical health, contacts with extended family, social interactions, and work behaviors. The results sugget that new children lead to changes in men’s well-being and social participation, but the effects are conditioned by the structural context of fatherhood and men’s initial fatherhood status. Overall, the evidence indicates that the transition to parenthood and the addition of subsequent children primarily transform the organization of men’s lives, especially when they become coresident fathers. Men making the transition to parenthood are most likely to be affected. Fatherhood encourages men to increase intergenerational and extended family interactions, participation in service-oriented activities, and hours in paid labor—at the expense of spending time socializing.
ISSN:0192-513X
1552-5481
DOI:10.1177/0192513X06290802