[Father negativity in the interaction with toddlers as predictor of internalizing problems in girls and boys at school age].

The aim of this study is to examine the association between observed fathers' negativity in the interaction with their toddlers and internalizing problems of girls and boys at school age. In a prospective study of children at risk (Mannheim Study of Risk Children), 88 father-child dyads at the child's age of 2 years were videotaped and rated with a macro- and microanalytic coding system. Behavior problems were assessed at the age of 8 years using the Teacher Report Form of Achenbach's rating scales. Results revealed that fathers were more emotionally negative with their sons than with their daughters. No further differences in the fathers' interactive behavior according to child gender were found. However, fathers whose daughters had more internalizing problems (as seen by the teachers) at age 8 years were more restrictive and showed more inadequate control and negative interactive styles. In contrast, no predictive value of father negativity was observed in boys.