Thai and American fathers' involvement with preschool-age children

Father involvement in caregiving and the socialization of preschool-age children were examined in 40 Thai and 24 American families using the PICCI. The PICCI showed reasonably good internal consistency among Thai families. Mothers in both societies were far more likely to be involved with children than fathers in the respective cultures. Among both Thai and American fathers, involvement in caregiving and decision-making was not significantly related. American fathers were significantly more likely to be involved in childcare and the socialization of preschoolers than Thai fathers. Thai fathers were more likely to receive support from extended family members and institutional sources for involvement in childcare than American fathers. There were no significant relationships between support received and involvement with children for either group of fathers.