Parental involvement and life satisfaction in alcohol-dependent and non-alcohol-dependent fathers

Introduction
This study builds on previous research that emphasises the significance of assuming the father’s role in relation to life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of fatherhood in the life satisfaction of young men, both with and without alcohol dependence.

Material and methods
The study involved 60 fathers aged between 23 and 39 (M = 34, SD = 4.43). Out of these, 30 had been diagnosed with alcohol dependence, while the remaining fathers did not show signs of dependence. Participants were chosen for the study and control groups based on their responses to the AUDIT questionnaire. Additionally, the study used the Parental Involvement Questionnaire (PIQ) and The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).

Results
The study results indicated that father­hood involvement is linked to young fathers’ life satisfaction. Additionally, non-dependent fathers exhibited higher levels of fatherhood involvement across all dimensions and reported greater life satisfaction compared to alcohol-dependent fathers.

Disscussion
The groups of fathers studied show statistically significant differences in life satisfaction and parental involvement. Dependence may play a crucial role in reducing the quality of the parent–child relationship, consequently leading to decreased life satisfaction.

Conclusions
Dependent fathers actively involved in parenting may experience higher levels of life satisfaction.