Discuss paternal influence. Specifically, compare and contrast direct effects and indirect effects in terms of fathers’ behaviors influencing their children and give an example of each. What are the implications of paternal influence on children?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Paternal influence occurs in many ways, including directly and indirectly. Indirect effects, in which the father’s behavior influences the child indirectly by affecting some other factor in the child’s life, are one category of effect. For example, a father might express unhappiness with his marriage, which may lead the mother to feel angry or depressed. In turn, she may be irritable with the child or depressed and unresponsive, either of which can affect the child. Direct effects include fathers’ interactions with their children and the behaviors and attitudes they model. There are many ways a father might directly influence his children, including communicating, monitoring, teaching, showing affection, protecting, supporting, and being available. Both types of effects influence and shape children; however, they go about it in different ways. Paternal influence, whether through direct or indirect effects, can have lasting implications for children, including psychological and physical well-being.