Nurturant characteristics of males :

Abstract

Methodological problems are discussed and suggestions for related research are given. Results indicate CDF have greater needs to demonstrate kindness, sympathy, and affection toward others than IHF. It was concluded that NDF rating on Masculinity could be related to lowered self-esteem as a result of separation from their children. The total sample of fathers appear to have attitudes indicative of emotional availability to their children.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between nurturing characteristics of fathers who do and do not obtain custody of their children following divorce. Forty-two middle-class men participated: 14 custodial divorced fathers (CDF), 14 noncustodial divorced fathers (NDF), and 14 intact home fathers (IHF). Each of the CDF had actively sought custody. All participants were given the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS), the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), and the Hereford Parental Attitude Survey, (HPAS). Six scales were observed: Nurturance of the EPPS, Masculinity and Femininity of the BSRI, and Acceptance, Understanding and Trust of the HPAS.

The CDF were significantly higher on Nurturance than the IHF (p < .05). No significant difference was found between CDF and NDF or between NDF and IHF on Nurturance. IHF were significantly higher on Masculinity than NDF (p < .05). There was no significant difference between IHF and CDF or between CDF and NDF on Masculinity. No significant difference was found on Femininity, Acceptance, Understanding, or Trust.