Gender differences in psychological responsibility for children

This study conceptualized and investigated the construct of psychological responsibility for children. Psychological responsibility was defined as the anticipation of and cognitive planning for the child's needs, the ongoing awareness of the child and his/her needs as a priority, and the feeling of primary commitment to the child if other systems of support fail. Survey data from 114 parents (57 mother-father dyads) was used to examine gender differences in feelings of psychological responsibility, as well as variables that impact maternal feelings of psychological responsibility and paternal involvement in childcare. Evidence is provided in support of the conceptualization of psychological responsibility as distinct from direct childcare responsibilities. In addition, findings indicated gender differences in both levels and content of psychological responsibilities for children. Variables including maternal belief in sex differences in parenting abilities, maternal feelings regarding paternal caregiving competence, and maternal self-identity were found to impact maternal feelings of psychological responsibility. Finally, maternal feelings of psychological responsibility and paternal hours of employment were found to be predictive of paternal involvement in the direct care of young children. Implications for coparenting and paternal involvement with children are discussed.