Poster Session 4: Relationship Dissolution and Coparenting

Presenters: Sonia Molloy, Alexandra Pierro

Summary
This qualitative research sought to better understand the comprehensive fathering outcomes associated with maternal gatekeeping in rural Appalachian families. Grounded in intersectionality theory, this study examined the perceptions and beliefs fathers maintain about their own fathering identity, co-parenting, and gatekeeping behaviors in the sociocultural context of the rural Appalachian community. Semi-structured face to face interviews with 50 fathers of infants revealed themes of maternal gatekeeping, management, and load negotiations between co-parents. Results suggest there is a need to inform practitioners on the nuances of maternal behaviors that facilitate or hinder fathering processes for the specific population of fathers accessing services. Implications and suggestions for future research into the complexities of maternal gatekeeping behaviors will be discussed.

Objectives
-- To identify the current beliefs and norms fathers in rural Appalachia apply to father involvement.
-- To exemplify the challenges and successes of father involvement dependent on co-parent behaviors.
-- To illuminate the complexities of maternal gatekeeping behavior by analyzing both positive and negative associated outcomes.

Subject Codes: coparenting, family processes, fatherhood
Population Codes: Family Scientists, rural, low income
Method and Approach Codes: grounded theory, qualitative methodology, thematic analysis