Exploring parenting influences: Married African American fathers’ perspectives

This qualitative study sought to understand married, resident African American fathers’ perceptions about parenting influences. Specifically, this study explored fathers’ perceptions about sources and/or experiences that informed their approaches and attitudes about parenting. Social learning theory, the modeling and compensation hypothesis, as well as literature on the intergenerational transmission of parenting served as theoretical frameworks. Eight fathers participated in semi-structured interviews. One main theme and four subthemes emerged from the data. Findings indicated that a number of influences including but not limited to experiences from their family of origin informed current parenting approaches and attitudes.