Relationship between paternal psychological distress and involvement in childcare among fathers of preschool-aged children: mediating effect of maternal psychological distress.

Paternal psychological distress influenced the quality and quantity of fathers' involvement in childcare and was mediated by maternal psychological distress. To promote fathers' involvement in childcare, a family-centered approach for childcare should reflect the triadic interaction of father-mother-child. These findings have implications for primary health professionals, as well as policymakers who design community health programs for early childhood.