THE ROLE OF FATHER INVOLVEMENT IN PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The aim of the present study was to explore the association between resident biological fathers' involvement, measured from both the adolescent's and father's point of view, and positive indicators of well-being (autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations, purpose, and self-acceptance) in university students. In addition, child- (gender), father- (SES status), mother(involvement) and family-related (parental relationship quality) factors were assessed as potential controls as they are associated with both father involvement and adolescent adjustment. The research sample consisted of 130 university students and their fathers. The mean age of adolescents was 19.43 (SD = 1.04), 30.2% boys and 69.9% of girls. Fathers' age ranged between 39 to 64 years, with mean age 47.41 (SD = 4.88). Self-report questionnaires were utilized: Father Involvement Scale [1], Scales of Psychological Well-being [2] and the subscale of Father-Mother Relationship form The Father Presence Questionnaire [3]. There was no significant association between father's SES and his involvement (perceived by both adolescent and father). After controlling for mother- and family-related factors, fathers' involvement (as perceived by adolescent) was positively associated with positive relations and purpose in life of university students. Mother involvement was significant predictor of all well-being indicators, except of Autonomy. The study showed the importance of parental involvement in university students' positive development and particularly, that father's involvement (as perceived by adolescent, but not by father) is related to specific aspects of adolescent well-being.