Intensions Study: Fatherhood During Covid-19
COVID-19 Bringing Fathers Closer to Their Kids
A new study conducted on behalf of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) by Intensions Consulting, has found that many fathers feel closer to their kids during the COVID-19 pandemic and want to continue this deeper connection after life returns to normal.
The study, which surveyed 1,019 Canadian fathers between the ages of 19 and 74 years, set out to explore how the pandemic was impacting their parenting motivations and behaviour. Through this survey the researchers discovered that since the outbreak of COVID-19:
- 71% felt they had more quality time with their children;
- 60% felt closer to their children;
- 52% were more aware of their importance as a father;
- 49% have decided to be more engaged as a father in the future; and
- 40% felt COVID-19 had a positive impact on their roles as fathers.
“If the COVID-19 lockdown accelerates the movement of dads to be more engaged with their children, that could be a lasting benefit from a tragic public health crisis,” said Dr. Larry Goldenberg, the Founding Chair of CMHF. “It is clear, however, that men realize it will be a challenge to continue spending quality time with their families once the daily stresses of commuting and working long hours are reintroduced to their lives.”
Dr. Larry Goldenberg - CMHF
In terms of behavioural changes during lockdown, the study found that 64% of fathers had been eating meals together more often, 61% had been providing companionship to their children more often, 56% have been providing guidance to their children more often, and 49% had been preparing household meals more often.
Nick Black - Intensions Consulting
“Sharing meals can provide an important opportunity for family connection,” says Nick Black, Managing Partner at Intensions Consulting. “There is considerable evidence that eating meals together can have a positive impact on kids mental health, nutritional choices, school performance, and can even reduce the incidence of drug and alcohol use.”
ABOUT THIS STUDY
These are the findings of an Intensions Consulting study conducted between May 8, 2020 and May 11, 2020, on behalf of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation. For this study an online survey was administered with a sample of 1,019 Canadian fathers, between the ages of 19 and 74 years, who have at least child who is under the age of 19 years.
The sample was stratified to ensure that the sample’s composition reflected the underlying distribution of the Canadian population as determined by Census data. A traditional probability sample of comparable size would have produced results considered accurate to within plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
For more information on this study, please visit: https://menshealthfoundation.ca/new-mens-health-studies-reveal-covid-silver-lining-stronger-father-child-connections
ABOUT INTENSIONS CONSULTING
Intensions Consulting Inc., is a market research company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. We use statistics and psychology to find hidden insights and market opportunities for clients across North-America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Our research findings have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and have been quoted by news organizations including the BBC, CBC, Daily Mail, and Toronto Star.
web: https://www.intensions.co
ABOUT CANADIAN MEN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION
Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire Canadian men and their families to live healthier. The statistics around men’s health in Canada are alarming, with 70% of men’s health problems preventable by making lifestyle changes.