Studies show that both sons and daughters often report higher levels of compassionate love for their mothers than for their fathers. This selfless, caring kind of love seems to be more strongly expressed towards mothers. However, the closeness between a daughter and her parents is complex and varies greatly depending on individual family dynamics and personal experiences.
Factors Influencing Closeness
Several factors contribute to the perceived closeness between daughters and their parents:
-
Parenting Styles: The way parents interact with their daughters significantly impacts their relationship. Some fathers may be more involved and nurturing, fostering a stronger bond with their daughters. Conversely, mothers who are highly involved in their daughters' lives may cultivate closer relationships.
-
Personality and Temperament: The personalities of both the daughter and her parents influence their bond. Shared interests, values, and communication styles can lead to greater closeness.
-
Cultural and Societal Influences: Societal norms and cultural expectations can shape the dynamics between daughters and parents.
-
Life Events: Significant life events, both positive and negative, can strengthen or weaken the parent-daughter relationship.
While some anecdotal evidence suggests daughters might sometimes feel closer to their fathers, particularly during childhood, research consistently indicates a stronger sense of compassionate love towards their mothers. It is important to remember that these are trends, and individual experiences widely vary. The claim that girls are always closer to one parent than the other is inaccurate.
A study in May 2022 found that both sons and daughters reported higher levels of compassionate love for their mothers than for their fathers. This suggests a prevailing pattern of stronger emotional connection between mothers and their children, regardless of gender.
Conclusion
While individual experiences differ, research generally supports the notion that daughters tend to feel closer to their mothers than their fathers, particularly regarding compassionate love. This closeness is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, making it impossible to make a universally applicable statement.
