The Father-Adolescent Relationship in the Context of the Mother-Adolescent Relationship

Abstract

This study examined father and mother linkages in relation to adolescent academic and athletic competence and self-worth. A total of 140 Singapore undergraduates reported on themselves and their parents. Results indicate that some links between father characteristics and adolescent attributes exist only when mother characteristics are considered. The link between father responsiveness and athletic competence existed only when mother responsiveness was high, and that link between father acceptance of individuation and athletic competence existed only when mother acceptance of individuation was moderate or high. Results also indicate that father characteristics moderate links between mother characteristics and adolescent attributes. The link between mother responsiveness and self-worth became stronger as father responsiveness increased. These findings demonstrate the need to consider both parents' characteristics together rather than independently or exclusively.