This paper was aimed at reviewing the indexed scientific production on the Brazilian and international literature, of empirical studies related to adult fathers of children (zero to six years old), between 1999 and 2003 that described the father-child interaction or correlated the father-child interaction with child development. A systematic search on bibliographical database (PsycInfo, LILACS and Periódicos Capes) was conducted, using the key-words: father, paternal involvement, child and child development. A total of twelve studies were identified (four Brazilian and eight international). They were analyzed taking into account different aspects (published journal, variables studied, technique of data collection, results and indications for future research). A low incidence of articles regarding the importance of paternal involvement on child development was noted, specially in the Brazilian context.
Literature review; Father-child relations; Childhood development
