Father-daughter relationships and adolescent female sexuality: Paternal qualities associated with responsible sexual behavior

Research on adolescent and young adult sexuality has focused on identifying factors associated with sexual attitudes and behaviors. Werner-Wilson and Coughlin-Smith (1997) recently suggested that examining interactional dynamics would enhance our understanding of adolescent and young adult sexuality: Research has identified factors associated with sexuality but has neglected to examine how these factors interact with each other to exert influence. The present study, adopting a more micro-perspective, explores what specific dynamics interact with paternal influences to influence adolescent female sexual decision-making. Results indicate three general themes. Responsible sexual behavior among adolescent females seemed to be associated with (a) fathers who were very involved in parenting and the father-daughter relationship; (b) fathers who encouraged androgynous behavior in their daughters, and (c) positive communication with fathers regarding men, dating, sex, and marriage. These findings underscore the importance of gender socialization upon family relationships. Implications for the education and prevention of HIV/AIDS as well as teen pregnancy among adolescent females are discussed and future suggestions for research are made.