Father and Daughter Motives and Satisfaction
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. Prior research on daughters’ communication behaviors with their parents has shown that daughters have specific reasons for communicating with their parents. Fitzpatrick and Badzinski (1984) reported that parents communicate with their children for two reasons: to control their behaviors or actions and to express support. Yet, little is known about satisfaction concerning communication motives of children communicating with their parents and whether the motives are interrelated. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to gain...