ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF RECIPROCAL TOUCH BETWEEN FATHERS AND PRE-ADOLESCENT SONS
Abstract
This multi-method study was conducted to investigate the touching interaction between fathers and pre-adolescent sons. Specifically, this study was designed to investigate fathers' and sons' perceptions about their touching interaction, to ascertain their attitudes about paternal touch and to provide an outsiders' perspective of their displays of physical affection. The theoretical basis for this investigation included an integration of dynamic interactionism and family systems theory, as well as symbolic interactionism and a specific integrated father-son touch theory. A sample of 39 father and son dyads took part in this study. Participation included a thirty minute game playing period that was video taped for later coding, followed by a twenty minute period, during which the subjects completed a questionnaire. Each subject provided answers to demographic items, the Parental Contact Scale (PCS), the Touch OK Scale (TOK) and open-ended questions pertaining to touching interaction between the fathers and sons. Fathers also answered questions about the touch they have received from their own father during both their childhood and adulthood. Results of the study supported the integrated father-son touch theory. These findings also support the theory of dynamic interactionism (Lerner & Spanier, 1978). Positive relationships were found between PCS and the TOK for both fathers and sons. Other results showed a negative relationship between the son's age and the amount of touch the sons receive. Both fathers and sons TOK scores were higher for paternal touch to pre-school age sons than to pre-adolescent sons. Finally, the open-ended questions and observations suggested that both the fathers and sons believe that touch is important in their relationship and that touch occurs frequently between them.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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