Fatherhood really does change a man: those who become first-time dads are more likely to avoid tobacco, drinking and criminal behavior, according to a new study published in the Journal of Family and Marriage.
Researchers at Oregon State University followed more than 200 at-risk males over a period of 19 years. They found that those who became fathers – especially in their 20s and early 30s as opposed to their teens – were more likely to curb their bad behavior.
"This research suggests that fatherhood can be a transformative experience, even for men engaging in high-risk behavior," explained lead researcher David Kerr.
According to Kerr, this might mean fatherhood could provide an ideal time to reach out to troubled young men: "This presents a unique window of opportunity for intervention, because new fathers might be especially willing and ready to hear a more positive message and make behavioral changes," he explained. "This kind of change could have important health consequences for men and for their families."
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