A Cross-Sectional Study on the Factors Influencing Coparenting in Fathers Raising Children Under Three Years Old

Abstract

Purpose: This study determines the influence of paternal image formation in coparenting among couples raising children under three years of age in Japan, during the period from pregnancy to immediate postpartum.

Method: A total of 1,621 subjects were studied. Three multiple regression models were created using items that past research has found to be related to coparenting.

A Scale of Father identity in the Transition Period and factors predicted to influence coparenting were set as independent variables, while the Coparenting Relationship Scale Japanese version (CRS-J) was set as the dependent variable in the multiple regression model.

Results: Significant regression was found in all models (p < .01). However, significant associations with CRS-J scores were found only for the scores of “a rush of emotion coming from the existence of a child/children,” “the upwelling consciousness of being a father” and “concerns for the wife”.

Conclusion: The results suggest that differences in paternal image formation that arise during pregnancy may impact coparenting during infancy. Among the independent variables, “concerns for the wife” had the highest influence, suggesting that a good marital relationship is an important factor affecting coparenting.