Fathers matter—the relationship between paternal parenting and children’s externalizing and internalizing problems: A systematic review

Parenting is among the most relevant factors implicated in the development and maintenance of children’s externalizing and internalizing problems. Despite a large body of literature investigating the influence of parenting on children’s outcomes, most studies relied on mothers’ data. Little is known about the role of paternal parenting, but increasing evidence suggested that fathers are as equally important as mothers in children’s development and well-being. The current systematic review aimed to summarize the associations between paternal parenting and externalizing and internalizing problems in children aged 6 to 13, a delicate period during which parenting is crucial to help children adjust to the challenges (e.g., school transition) it poses. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic search on three databases (i.e., Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO), which led to the selection of 45 articles. Despite some mixed results, studies showed that positive paternal parenting was related to fewer externalizing and internalizing problems in the offspring, while negative parenting practices are associated with greater symptoms. Externalizing problems appeared to be linked to discipline-related paternal behavior, while internalizing problems seemed influenced by the emotional quality of father–child relationships. This underscores the importance of actively involving fathers in clinical research and parenting interventions aimed at addressing children’s behavioral and emotional difficulties.