Abstract
Objectives
This study examines the complex dynamics of father-daughter relationships, focusing on how life history factors are associated with paternal behaviors towards daughters. Drawing on Life history Theory and the Daughter-Guarding hypothesis, the research investigates how these factors contribute to father-daughter interactions, such as attachment, protection, support, and control received from fathers.
Methods
Two surveys were conducted: one with 120 daughters aged 18–21 (Study 1) and another with 120 fathers (Study 2), both recruited through online platforms. Study 1 examined the relationship from the daughters’ perspective, while Study 2 explored it from the fathers’ perspective.
Results
Fathers with higher education and stable financial backgrounds showed stronger attachment, support, and protection to their daughters. Additionally, daughters’ self-perceived attractiveness was associated with paternal behaviors, suggesting that attractive daughters were more likely to receive support, protection, and develop stronger attachments to their fathers.
Conclusions
The findings emphasize the need for further research into the relationships of these factors, particularly across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, to better understand their role in shaping father-daughter relationships and the potential effects on female development.
This study examines the complex dynamics of father-daughter relationships, focusing on how life history factors are associated with paternal behaviors towards daughters. Drawing on Life history Theory and the Daughter-Guarding hypothesis, the research investigates how these factors contribute to father-daughter interactions, such as attachment, protection, support, and control received from fathers.
Methods
Two surveys were conducted: one with 120 daughters aged 18–21 (Study 1) and another with 120 fathers (Study 2), both recruited through online platforms. Study 1 examined the relationship from the daughters’ perspective, while Study 2 explored it from the fathers’ perspective.
Results
Fathers with higher education and stable financial backgrounds showed stronger attachment, support, and protection to their daughters. Additionally, daughters’ self-perceived attractiveness was associated with paternal behaviors, suggesting that attractive daughters were more likely to receive support, protection, and develop stronger attachments to their fathers.
Conclusions
The findings emphasize the need for further research into the relationships of these factors, particularly across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, to better understand their role in shaping father-daughter relationships and the potential effects on female development.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 8 |
| Journal | Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Apr 2025 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Keywords
- Attachment
- Daughter-Father relationships
- Daughter-Guarding hypothesis
- Life history theory
- Support