The Emotional Dependency of Adolescent Girls in Romantic Relationships: The Role of Father Nurturant

Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation and exploring social relationships, including romantic ones. One of the key factors influencing the quality of romantic relationships among adolescent girls is the role of paternal parenting. This study aims to examine the extent to which fathers’ nurturant contributions to emotional dependency in adolescent girls who are currently in romantic relationships. A total of 284 participants were selected using purposive sampling based on specific criteria. The instruments used in this study include the Nurturance Fathering Scale (NFS) and the Emotional Dependency Scale, both measured through the adolescents’ perceptions. Data analysis using correlation techniques revealed a significant negative relationship between father nurturant and emotional dependency. This indicates that the more positively adolescents perceive their father’s contributions, the lower their emotional dependency on their romantic partner. These findings emphasize that warm and supportive father involvement serves as a protective factor against unhealthy romantic relationship dynamics. The results align with previous theories and research on attachment, emotional regulation, and the influence of parenting styles on adolescent relational behavior.