Predictors of Father Involvement Patterns Among Latino Fathers With Low Income

Father involvement in parenting can promote children’s positive development. Despite the growing literature on father involvement, little is known about the heterogeneity in father involvement among Latino fathers. The present study sought to examine father involvement patterns and their predictors among Latino fathers who were predominantly unmarried and had a low income. A latent profile analysis was conducted on a sample of 830 Latino fathers of toddlers in the Building Strong Families program. Three father involvement profiles were identified: high involvement (61.81%); high accessibility and financial support, but less engagement (26.63%); and nonresident, but engaged (11.57%). Fathers’ older age, lower parental aggravation, and higher coparenting relationship quality predicted membership in the high involvement profile. Overall, study results indicate that many Latino fathers are highly involved in parenting, highlighting the resilience and fathering commitment among Latino fathers with low income. Our findings suggest the need for additional support for younger fathers and fathers experiencing parental aggravation and point to coparenting relationships as an important source of support for father involvement among Latino fathers with low income.