Smaller System Predictors of Satisfaction with Low-Income Paternal Involvement of Noncustodial African American Fathers

Purpose: Shifts in the rates of divorce, marriage, and childbirth are accompanied by shifts in rates of diverse family structures. The science to date is mixed on the predictors of father involvement among unwed fathers: The current study investigated the impact of smaller system predictors on the paternal satisfaction of African American noncustodial fathers’ (NCFs) paternal involvement. Methods: 163 noncustodial with and without multipartnered fertility were selected for study. Results: The study authors investigated the extent to which offspring status (whether they only have children with the custodial parent without multipartnered fertility; or have other children with other mothers, which is multipartnered fertility, has on the duration of their relationship with the custodial parent before their child was conceived, and after their child was conceived. Additionally, the current study seeks to determine whether offspring status impacts NCFs overall parental involvement satisfaction levels. Discussion: Future research on practice with unwed fathers with children with different partners is highlighted.