Variables Affecting Motivation For Father Involvement: A Self-Determination Approach

Abstract

The present study was designed to assess the predictive relationships between motivation and father involvement from the perspective of Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) for married fathers with at least one elementary-aged child. A sample (N=260) composed primarily of Caucasian and middle-class fathers provided information regarding their motivation to be involved in various fathering tasks and their perceived involvement with their child(ren). Path analysis was used to assess predictive relationships between the innate needs in Self-Determination Theory (Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness) with the Motivation for Father Involvement Scale (MFIS) (Bouchard & Lee, 2007) as well as the relationship between motivation and father involvement and parental satisfaction. An ad hoc path model revealed predictive relationships between relatedness and competence with internalized motivation. In addition, scores of internalized motivation were predictive of perceived father involvement and parental satisfaction.