PERSPECTIVE OF FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS ON GOOD FATHERHOOD

OLIVIA DE GUZMAN VALEROSO
M.A. Psychology (May 2009)
Department of Psychology

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the perception of fathers and daughters on good fatherhood. It investigated developmental differences by comparing the perceptions of two groups of fathers and daughters from the middle childhood group (composed of 20 pairs of fathers and daughters wherein the daughters are aged 9-11) and the adolescence group (composed of 20 pairs of fathers and daughters wherein the daughters are aged 15-17).

These 40 pairs of fathers and daughters, chosen through purposive sampling, were interviewed for this study. They were Roman Catholics and Filipino citizens, by birth; they came from intact or complete parent families where both parents are non-OFWs; and they belong to the middle to upper class families.

The finding revealed that the top five attributes of a good father is the same for both fathers and daughters. Both fathers and daughters agree that a good father should be a loving person; supportive; provides guidance; is involved; and spends quality time with his children.

The difference between fathers and daughters is that fathers placed importance to their role as provider and protector while daughters gave emphasis to father’s understanding and role as a friend.

The results of the study can provide groundwork for future research on family relationships and can be used to evaluate and design parenting programs that would help enhance parent and child relationship and increase paternal awareness of parenting approaches that would be most effective for children.