Abstract

This paper reports a study on relationship between fathers’ involvement in parenting and their children’s psychosocial development. A survey of 468 Form four students revealed those fathers’ parenting skills was found to be related to self-concept but not to their children’s academic achievement. The trends in academic development and self-concept were similar among male and female respondents. The students’ academic achievement was reported as high, but it was not related to fathers’ parenting skills. The present study did not examine the role of mothers. As a result, this study cannot determine which parent holds more influence in motivating children academically. In general, fathers’ level of parenting was perceived rather highly, with a mean score of 3.67. Analysis of three types of parenting skills showed fathers’ involvement was highest in the area of responsibility and lowest in accessibility. Because the majority of respondents were ethnic Malay from low income group, this study does not reflect the reality of Malaysian society.