Oh father

Research has shown that fathers are nearly as important as mothers in guiding children through the challenges of childhood and adolescence. But what makes some fathers more likely than others to focus on their children? Supporters of evangelical Christian denominations often argue that a father’s faith can motivate a dad to be there for his kids.

They may be right, according to the research of a University of Virginia sociologist and family and religion expert. W. Bradford Wilcox (Government and Foreign Affairs ’92) found that evangelical Christian and Catholic fathers came out on top in assessments of one-on-one interactions with their children, participation in family dinners and involvement in youth-related activities when compared to fathers of other Christian denominations studied or to those having no religious affiliation.