While research has examined the salient effect of fathers in child development, little attention has focused on the effect of the infant on the father. The impact of fatherhood on normative male development was investigated in a twofold manner. First, to assess the extent to which the birth experience and actual parenthood produced differing self-perceptions, 80 expectant fathers were compared with 80 fathers on adaptive indices of personality and psychological growth. Results revealed that compared to expectant fathers, fathers manifest significantly greater emphasis on a measure of Purpose in Life and two self-actualization scales, as well as trends toward an increase on a measure of Generativity and a decrease on a measure of Impulsivity. The second assessment examined whether men are aware of change in themselves (recalled or anticipated) as a result of becoming a parent. Results revealed that self-perceptions focused on the fatherhood period were higher on measures of Nurturance, Generativity, and Purpose in Life and lower on a measure of Impulsivity than assessments focused on the pre-fatherhood period. The experience of fathering facilitated male adult development on specific dimensions that define a maturing self-concept. (Author/JAC)