Are Parental Relationships Improved if Fathers Take Time Off of Work After the Birth of a Child?

ABSTRACT: Research has begun to examine the consequences of paternity leave, focusing primarily on whether paternity leave-taking increases father involvement. Yet, other consequences of paternity leave-taking have not been considered using U.S data. This study uses longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine whether fathers' time off from work after the birth of a child is associated with relationship quality, relationship support, and coparenting quality. We also consider whether these relationships are mediated by father involvement. Results suggest that fathers' time off of work after a birth and length of time off are each positively associated with relationship quality and coparenting quality one year after a child's birth. They are also positively associat

SUBMITTER: Petts RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7030162 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature