Closeness in father-offspring relationships: Do differences linked to paternal marital status persist in a multivariate approach?
Abstract
This dissertation investigated the impact of a number of variables on offspring ratings of feelings of closeness to their father. Previous studies reported differences in closeness ratings by paternal marital status, with divorced fathers receiving less positive ratings than still-married fathers (Black, 1985; Fine, Moreland and Schwebel, 1983; Parish and Kappes, 1980; Peterson and Zill, 1986; White, Bimerhoff and Booth, 1985). Ninety-nine introductory psychology students whose parents were divorced and 110 students whose parents had been continuously married since the student's birth completed self-report questionnaires assessing both their relationship to their parents, and a number of other variables suggested by theory and previous research to be linked to feelings of closeness. The previous findings of differences by paternal marital status were replicated. For each closeness measure divorced fathers received lower ratings than married fathers. When the effects of other variables were held constant, ratings of closeness to fathers were higher when he tended to (a) perform supportive behaviors for the offspring frequently, (b) initiate contact with the offspring frequently, (c) avoid getting angry with the offspring and (d) avoid performing miscellaneous problem behaviors. High ratings of closeness to fathers were also related to offspring feeling close to their mothers, and having mothers who initiated contact with the offspring infrequently. It was clear that perceiving the father as accepting and trustworthy was strongly related to feelings of closeness to him. The multiple regression results suggested that offspring of divorced fathers generally feel less close to their fathers than offspring of still-married fathers. This may be due to differences between the two groups of fathers on the variables just listed, and to differences in variables which are directly affected by divorce. Implications of this dissertation for previous research were discussed, and recommendations were made for future research.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Black, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Developmental psychology
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