Parent–Child Closeness as a Mediator Between Mental Health and Parenting Behaviors: An SEM Study of Racially Diverse Fathers

Paternal mental health significantly shapes parenting behaviors, yet limited research has examined these dynamics among diverse father populations. This study investigates the relationship between paternal mental health and paternal warmth, with perceived father–child closeness as a potential mediator. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we analyzed data from 301 racially and ethnically diverse fathers. Paternal mental health, modeled as a latent variable of depression and anxiety, was negatively associated with paternal warmth. Perceived father–child closeness positively predicted paternal warmth and significantly mediated this relationship. Findings underscore the importance of fostering emotional closeness in father–child relationships and the need for culturally responsive parenting support programs that promote father–child closeness to enhance paternal warmth, especially within underrepresented communities.