Translational Issues in Psychological Science, Vol 11(4), Dec 2025, 379-391; doi:10.1037/tps0000471
Empirical studies have documented the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and fathering problems among combat veteran fathers. However, scientific investigation of possible psychological mechanisms that may explain this relationship is lacking. The present study examined the relationships between PTSS, father–child relationships, and paternal functioning. Furthermore, we examined the mediating role of paternal overcontrol in the relationship between PTSS and fathering dimensions. Participants included 344 veteran fathers of children aged 3–12 from two groups: Israel Defense Forces combat veterans (n = 209) and noncombat veterans (n = 135). Participants completed a set of validated self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Fathers who served as combatants reported higher levels of PTSS and of father–child conflict compared to noncombatant veterans. Moreover, among combat veterans, paternal overcontrol mediated the relationship between PTSS and conflictual father–child relationships and an inconsistent discipline dimension. The research findings demonstrate that the more intense veterans’ PTSS, the more extensive its impact is on various dimensions of fatherhood. Combat veteran fathers’ tendency to overcontrol their children might explain some of the variability in their paternal parenting problems. Recognizing and addressing overcontrolling behaviors through targeted psychoeducational parenting programs can enhance family dynamics and improve outcomes for both fathers and their children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)