Perceptions of Parenting Beliefs and Practices in Fathers of Adolescents

Abstract Objective We examined how fathers' identity beliefs relate to their parenting behaviors during their children's adolescence. Background Although identity theory has been used to understand parental roles, fathers' identity beliefs and parenting behaviors during adolescence remain understudied. This study focused on three aspects of fatherhood identity—feelings evoked, perceived impact, and strain—and their associations with supportive and controlling parenting practices. Method This cross‐sectional survey involved 214 fathers of adolescents in British Columbia, Canada, with the most common age range being 41 to 45 years. Data were collected via an online survey assessing fatherhood identity beliefs and two parenting practices: support and negative control. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine these associations while accounting for contextual factors related to fatherhood. Results Fathers who perceived fatherhood as having a stronger personal impact reported more supportive parenting practices. Higher perceived strain was associated with greater use of controlling behaviors, particularly among fathers with European backgrounds. Two‐way interactions indicated that the association between perceived strain and negative control was weaker for fathers from non‐European backgrounds, and that the association between perceived impact and negative control was stronger among fathers who were not fully employed. Among fathers who were not fully employed, having a stronger perceived impact was associated with more negative control practices. Fathers living in smaller population centers reported lower levels of controlling practices than those in large urban areas. Conclusion The findings indicate that identity beliefs, particularly perceptions of impact and strain, are associated with fathers' use of supportive and controlling practices. These associations were moderated by employment status, race/ethnicity, and geography, underscoring the contextual factors that shape paternal behavior during adolescence. Implications These findings suggest that efforts to strengthen father–child relationships should integrate both psychological and contextual factors. Strategies that reduce paternal strain and promote engagement, such as flexible work policies, community‐based programs, and culturally responsive approaches, may better meet the needs of fathers across settings.