Reflections on Theory and Outcome Measures for Fatherhood Programs.

Responsible fatherhood programs have proliferated in the United States during the past several decades, yet few studies have been conducted of their effects on fathers and children. Evaluation of these programs requires attention to 2 questions that have not been adequately addressed: What are the specific outcomes expected from fathers' participation in programs, and how do we measure those outcomes? In this article, we suggest 3 theoretical frameworks for fatherhood programs: attachment theory, family systems theory, and the risk-resilience perspective. Promising outcome measures and the need to develop new measures are discussed. (Author abstract)