Father-daughter relationship in the context of marital infidelity, and it's impact on the daughters' relationships with men

• Main Authors: Cu, Danica Elaine R., Leonardo, Eyslee Kaye E., Yupangco, Jacqueline Mae M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2007
• Subjects: Adultery; Fathers and daughters; Man-woman relationships
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/6187
• Institution: De La Salle University

The objective of this study is to describe the father-daughter relationship in the context of fathers' marital infidelity, and its impact on the daughters' relationships with men. The researchers conducted an in-depth interview with eleven female participants aged 15-21 years old, whose parents have separated because of the fathers' infidelity. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings showed that the relationship between the father and daughter could either be Detachment or Attachment. Fathers' role in the life of their daughters is largely instrumental or is limited to the financial support of the fathers to their daughters. When fathers and daughters get to spend time with each other, they engage in Leisurely Activities. Findings about the thoughts and feelings of the daughters towards their fathers' marital infidelity revealed that daughters feel indifferent towards their fathers. The feeling of anger and decreased love and respect were also felt by the daughters. Daughters sometimes yearn for a father's presence and others reported being forgiving of their fathers. In addition, daughters also look at their fathers' marital infidelity as modeled from their grandfathers and also reported feeling a sense of contentment living without a father. Findings on the daughters' relationship with men showed that daughters initially view men as dishonest after they became aware on the infidelity that their fathers have committed but didn't limit their understanding of men as dishonest when they started interacting with them. In fact, it was found that these daughters still showed positive attachments towards men. On the other hand, it was revealed that they developed caution in choosing their relationship partners. Those daughters who have engaged themselves in romantic relationships ended up having partners who were just like their fathers and became vulnerable towards them. These daughters also have a high need for emotional and financial security before marriage.