Paternal Involvement and Child Social-Emotional Development in Urban Households in Enugu State

This study investigates the relationship between paternal involvement and social-emotional development in children aged 3 to 8 years in urban households in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Traditional gender role expectations in Igbo culture have historically positioned fathers as economic providers rather than primary developmental figures, and the consequences of varying levels of paternal engagement on children's social-emotional outcomes remain underexplored in this context. This research employed a cross-sectional survey design with 310 father-child dyads recruited from primary schools and health facilities in Enugu metropolis. Paternal involvement was assessed using the Paternal Involvement with Toddlers instrument, adapted for the Nigerian context, while children's social-emotional development was evaluated using the Social Skills Improvement System and the Emotion Regulation Checklist. Multiple regression analyses examined the unique contribution of different dimensions of paternal involvement to social-emotional outcomes. Results indicate that paternal warmth, play engagement, and consistent routine participation are the strongest predictors of children's social competence and emotion regulation. Breadwinner involvement alone, without warmth or direct interaction, showed no significant relationship with social-emotional outcomes. Highly involved fathers were associated with children showing greater peer acceptance and lower behaviour problems. The study challenges breadwinner-centred models of fathering in Igbo contexts and recommends family education programmes that encourage diverse forms of paternal engagement in Enugu State. Keywords: paternal involvement, social-emotional development, children, Enugu State, fathering.