Fathers and daughters: an assessment of the individuation and strength of their relationship

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of strength/weakness and fusion/individuation of the father-daughter relationship. Senior girls in a midwestern high school and their fathers were surveyed regarding these aspects of their relationship. Both fathers and daughters provided assessments of the strength/weakness and fusion/individuation of their relationship. The instruments used were the Family Assessment Measure (FAM) and the intergenerational fusion/individuation scale of the Personal Authority in the Family System (PAFS).

Results revealed a significant difference between fathers' and daughters' assessments of the level of fusion/individuation of their relationship. There was no significant difference in their assessment of the strength/weakness. They both scored within the normal range of strength and individuation. There was no difference in the strength/weakness of their relationship across education levels of fathers. Sibling position of the fathers and daughters did not affect the quality of the relationship.