THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PATERNAL–INFANT ATTACHMENT AND FATHERHOOD ROLE PERCEPTION OF FATHERS WITH 6-12-MONTH-OLD INFANTS

GAMZEGÜL ALTAY, ARZU SARIALİOĞLU, YASİN YILDIZ

Archives of Health Science and Research - 2025;12(1):1-7

Objective: The study aimed to determine the relationship between paternal–infant attachment and the perception of the fatherhood role among fathers with 6-12-month-old infants. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 131 fathers of 6-12-month-old infants between April 2023 and March 2024 at Family Health Centers in a province in northeast Türkiye. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Paternal–Infant Attachment Scale (PIAS), and the Fatherhood Role Perception Scale. Statistical analysis involved percentage, mean, independent groups t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses. The study adhered to ethical principles. Results: Fathers who had a university education or higher, a baby girl, an only child, spent 5 hours or more with their baby, had been married for 5 years or less, and reported a good relationship with their spouse had statistically significant higher mean total scores on both the PIAS and the Fatherhood Role Perception Scale (P < .05). There was a statistically significant, moderately positive relationship between the total scores on the Fatherhood Role Perception Scale and the PIAS (P < .01). Conclusion: The study showed that fathers with a high perception of their paternal role also had higher attachment levels to their infants.