The relationship between fathers’ attachment style, parenting style, feelings of parenting competency and psychological wellbeing

Adult attachment is the long-term bonds between two people satisfying each other’s needs for intimacy, trust and security. The attachment style of a parent is believed to influence the attachment style they have with their own children. Attachment has been mostly studied between mothers and children. Recent literature indicates that both maternal and paternal parenting are important in relation to positive child development. The current study investigated whether there was a relationship between fathers’ adult attachment style (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and authoritative parenting style. We also examined whether fathers’ sense of competency (parental self-efficacy and satisfaction) was predicted by their parenting and attachment style. Participants included 212 fathers (aged 21-70 years, M = 38, SD = 7.47) with biological children (aged 2-12 years, M = 4.60, SD = 3.22). Participants completed an online survey involving demographic questions and questionnaires on adult attachment style, parenting style, sense of competency and psychological wellbeing. Fathers who reported being securely attached displayed an authoritative parenting style with their children. Furthermore, fathers who displayed higher levels of secure attachment and authoritative parenting styles were more likely to feel increased competency in their role as a parent. These results highlight the importance of secure attachment in fathers and their parenting style, feelings of parenting competency and psychological wellbeing. It also highlights the importance of assessing fathers’ attachment style when working with them around their parenting practices. Self-report questionnaires and social desirability by participants are important limitations to consider when interpreting the results.