Research Framework: In recent decades, the paternal role has undergone major changes. Fathers are more involved in the upbringing and care of their children. It is important to identify how paternal roles influence fathers’ behaviors in their daily lives. However, there is currently no tool to measure these roles in Quebec. Recent research (Lacharité, 2020) also suggests that fathers’ perception of their role may be related to a lack of gratification, feelings of parenting competence and parental stress, known as vulnerability factors, inherent to being a father.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop an instrument to measure the fathers’ perception of their parental role. This research also examines the links between paternal roles and ordinary vulnerability factors.

Methodology: The Paternal Roles Scale was developed on the basis of a preliminary qualitative study exploring the perception of the paternal role among fathers of school-aged children (Caty, 2020). To this end, 462 Quebec fathers with at least one child aged 0 to 12 answered an online survey.

Results: An exploratory factor analysis reveals four paternal roles: transmission, discipline, engagement, and stimulation. Pearson correlation analysis reveals significant links between paternal roles and vulnerability factors.

Conclusions: Based on the subjective discourse of fathers, the Paternal Roles Scale is an accurate measurement tool.

Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the plurality of roles perceived by fathers and the links between these roles and the vulnerability factors that can influence their experience.

• paternity
• role
• measurement
• vulnerability

https://journals.openedition.org/efg/16553