Father and Daughter Motives and Satisfaction

Abstract

There are few studies in the communication discipline dealing with father–daughter relationships and methods for increasing satisfaction within these relationships. This study investigates the motives fathers and daughters have when communicating with each other and how these motives affect relationship satisfaction. Results indicated that daughters communicated mainly with their fathers for the following motives: affection, relaxation, pleasure, and inclusion. Fathers reported communicating with their daughters for pleasure, affection, and relaxation. Findings indicate a means of increasing satisfaction among father–daughter relationships by encouraging communication that incorporates statements of affection and pleasure.

Notes

This article is based on the author's dissertation completed under the direction of Dr Rebecca Rubin. This paper was also presented at the annual National Communication Association Convention, Miami Beach, Florida in November 2003.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter

Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter (PhD, Kent State University, 2002) is an assistant professor in the department of communication at Texas Tech University