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Rutgers study finds fathers of daughters show higher commitment to mothers

A Rutgers University study published in Personality and Individual Differences reports that fathers with daughters exhibit greater attachment and trust toward their partners.

Dads of daughters may be more attentive partners
File photo Dads of daughters may be more attentive partners Photo: Phys.org

Survey results on parental bonds

Scholars surveyed nearly 1,700 parents across the United States to test their theory. The research indicates that having a daughter appears to protect the primary parent relationship. Fathers of daughters demonstrated higher levels of commitment to the mother compared to fathers of sons.

Psychological shifts for men

Professor Kristina Durante stated that having a daughter alters men's psychologies in interesting ways. This change includes increased trust and intimacy within the marriage. The findings suggest male investment signals reliability to daughters regarding long-term relationships.

Role of fathers in development

Past research shows fathers shape their daughters' expectations about men's availability. The Rutgers team also noted that fathers play an important role in girls' self-esteem. These factors combine to influence how parents interact with one another.

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