유아기 자녀를 둔 아버지 양육행동 유형과 특성 분석

Categorization of Parenting Behavior in Fathers with Preschool Children: Latent Profile Analysis

Objective: This study aims to provide practical guidance for paternal parenting behaviors by utilizing a person-centered approach called latent profile analysis (LPA) to classify parenting behaviors of fathers with preschool children. Methods: This study conducted an online survey targeting fathers with preschool children (aged 3-6 years) and utilized 505 questionnaires for the final analysis. The data were analyzed using Mplus 8.3 and SPSS 21.0. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to examine the sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and their parenting behaviors. LPA was used to identify the underlying patterns of parenting behaviors. The characteristics associated with each parenting profile were examined. Results: As a result of classifying fathers’ parenting behavior, four types of parenting behavior were identified: positive, ideal, bystander, and contradictory. The characteristics of each type of parenting behavior are described in the text. Conclusions: Positive and ideal profiles are found to be similar. The characteristics of fathers belonging to their ideal type should be further investigated because it is clearly different from other types. Since the types of father-parenting behavior are divided, it is necessary to provide fathering education that is appropriate for each type.