The Influence of Culture on Latino Fathers' Parenting Styles

Objectives: Although Latina mothers have been studied extensively, less consideration has been given to the impact of culture on Latino fathers' parenting. This study explores the relationship of six Latinx cultural constructs-familismo, simpatia, personalismo, respeto, traditional machismo, and caballerismo-on the parenting style of Latino fathers. Method: We analyzed data from 309 Latino fathers on the relationship between parenting styles-authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive-and the aforementioned cultural values. Results: Using multiple regression, we found that higher levels of personalismo and caballerismo and lower levels of traditional machismo were associated with authoritative parenting; higher levels of simpatia, respeto, and traditional machismo and lower levels of personalismo and caballersimo were associated with authoritarian parenting; and higher levels of familismo, simpatia, respeto, and traditional machismo and lower levels of personalismo and caballerismo were associated with permissive parenting. Conclusions: The present study illuminates the need for more culturally competent and strengths-based interventions for Latino fathers, especially interventions that foster higher levels of personalismo, respeto, and caballerismo and decrease emphasis on simpatia and traditional machismo. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate how the relationship between parenting styles and cultural values impacts child outcomes.</p>