STRAIN AND GRATIFICATIONS OF EXPECTANT FATHERS

In a cross-cultural study the positive and negative aspects of fatherh ood were longitudinally investigated in Austria, covering the period f rom three months before to three years after the birth of the child. P otential fields of risks turned out to be negative developments in the parents' partnership, which are widespread during the first years sf the children's life, and the reduction of social contacts beyond the f amily. Taking pleasure in activities with children and a positive atti tude towards the values of the family contribute most to a satisfying fatherhood. The contribution of the single variables to relevant dimen sions of how fatherhood is experienced, and their relations to each ot her, are shown in pathanalysis.