Father Involvement in Asian Families: A Systematic Literature Review

Father involvement is essential for child development and family well-being, with active engagement linked to fewer behavioral issues and better educational and social skills. However, research in the Asian context is less extensive than that in Western countries. This study examines Asian fathers’ perspectives on their involvement and the factors that influence it. A systematic review of seven databases included 39 papers. Participants were Asian fathers with at least one child living in a two-parent family, aged 18 to 60 years. The results showed that fathers’ involvement varied by level, time, and activity, with an average of 24 min to 4.75 h daily. Playing is the most frequently reported activity in which fathers were involved, while individual factors as the most assessed determinant affecting father involvement. Several emerging trends in extra-familial and cultural determinants need to be explored.