Perceptions of Paternal Support After Transitioning to College: Interpretations Based on the Generative Fathering Framework: Interpretations Based on the Generative Fathering Framework

Based on social demands for involvement and adaptability that are required to be a good father in contemporary United States culture, this study explored young adults’ perceptions of paternal support and how it changed after they transitioned to college. Thirty-seven college students were interviewed. Taxonomic analysis led to seven types of paternal support and three themes regarding changes in support. Using the generative fathering framework (Hawkins & Dollahite, 1997), the findings are discussed based on how these students’ perceptions of paternal support fit within cultural ideals of fathering and gendered notions of support.