Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1989

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Kenneth R. Newton

Abstract

In this study, Black fathers were questioned about their self-perceptions, childrearing attitudes and behaviors and level of marital adjustment. The objective of the study was to investigate differences among Black fathers in the nurturant-expressive dimension of parent-child relations and their attitudes and behaviors regarding childrearing and marital quality.

Seventy subjects completed paper and pencil questionnaires, a check list and a Q-sort method questionnaire in the privacy of their home.

The major results indicated that the sample was homogenous where subjects described themselves as being very nurturant and having good marital relationships. The subjects also were similar in their childrearing attitudes and practices. The childrearing variables: openness of expression, emphasis on achievement, parental worry, supervision of child, open expression of affect, encouraging independence, enjoyment of the parental role, rationale guidance of child and trust child were most frequently endorsed by the fathers who described themselves as nurturant. It was concluded that marital quality is a valid factor to evaluate in determining the level of paternal effectiveness. The author proposed a relationship between nurturance and childrearing attitudes and behaviors and marital quality and childrearing attitudes and behaviors which was supported.

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