Fatherhood as a transformative process : unexpected successes among high risk fathers (Chapter 9 of Fragile families and the marriage agenda.)

This chapter identifies developmental factors associated with positive fathering among 179 young, high-risk fathers who made a better than expected adjustment to parenthood. Results found that despite significant individual and social disadvantages, these fathers developed relational capacities associated with positive parenting. These capacities include a growth-oriented perspective on the co-parenting relationship, a commitment to shared responsibility for taking care of the co-parenting relationship, and a willingness to empathize with their co-parenting partners. Case studies illustrate the transformation of these young fathers and underscore the role of the co-parenting relationship in the development of these critical relational capacities. 3 tables and 44 references. (Author abstract modified)