Supportive fathers lessen the effects of mothers' alcohol problems on children's externalizing behaviors

Abstract

Children of alcoholics are at risk for a wide range of negative social–emotional outcomes, including externalizing behaviors. These negative outcomes are evident as early as infancy and early childhood. The current study examined whether fathers' supportiveness can protect children from the negative effects of maternal alcohol problems on children's externalizing behavior. We used data from 514 families eligible for Early Head Start at enrollment and near the child's age 5. Mothers' symptoms of alcohol problems were associated with more externalizing problems in their young children. Likewise, father supportiveness in play was associated with fewer externalizing problems. Aggression and hyperactivity, externalizing behaviors commonly associated with maternal alcohol problems, were lessened when children's fathers were sensitive and supportive in play. Our findings highlight the importance of engaging fathers when mothers are identified as having an alcohol problem.

Keywords:

• fathers
• parent–child interactions
• substance use

Acknowledgements

The findings reported here are based on the research conducted as part of the national Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project funded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Contract 105-95-1936 to Mathematica Policy Research, Princeton, NJ, and Columbia University's Center for Children and Families, Teachers College, in conjunction with the Early Head Start Research Consortium. The Consortium consists of representatives from 17 programs participating in the evaluation, 15 local research teams, the evaluation contractors, and ACF. Research institutions in the Consortium include Administration for Children and Families; Catholic University of America; Columbia University; Harvard University; Mathematica Policy Research; Medical University of South Carolina; Michigan State University; New York University; NPC Research; University of Arkansas; University of California at Los Angeles; University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; University of Missouri-Columbia; University of Pittsburgh; University of Washington College of Education; University of Washington School of Nursing; and Utah State University. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.