1999 · 26 citations · 6 references
Social SciencesPsychologySocial PsychologyReproductive HealthSelfWomen's HealthIntimacyParentingRelationship QualitySelf-esteemSexual HealthSexual Well-beingGender Differences In Self-esteemIntimate Partner Relationships
ABSTRACT: This study investigated the relationship of fatherly affirmation to women's self-esteem and other psychosexual characteristics. Female university student (n=57) completed questionnaires that measured their perception of their father's unconditional positive regard for them, perceptions of their father's feelings about their mother, self-esteem, fear of intimate relationships, comfort with their womanhood, and comfort with sexuality. It was predicted that perceived fatherly affirmation would be positively associated with self-esteem and negatively associated with fear of intimacy. These predictions were confirmed. It was also predicted that there would be a positive association between perceived fatherly affirmation and comfort with womanhood. This prediction was not confirmed. As predicted women’s comfort or discomfort with their sexual experiences was related to their perceived affirmation by their fathers.
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