The Impact of Father-Daughter Relationships on Dating and Relationship Behaviors for African American Women: A Qualitative Analysis

This study examines how African American father-daughter relationships can impact their dating and relationship behaviors. This highlights an important role African American fathers play in shaping their daughter’s development and expectations within romantic relationships. The purpose of this qualitative (grounded theory) study was created to unravel the unique dynamics that shapes African American women's views on intimacy, self worth and relationships expectations. The research seeks to fill existing gaps in literature, moving beyond the notion of African American father presence to explore the emotional context that influences their daughter’s romantic lives. The research question for this study is for African American women, How does a woman’s relationship with her father impact her dating and relationship behaviors? The participants within this study are fifteen African American women who are currently in a relationship or currently dating. The findings of this study indicate the impact of African American father involvement that influences their daughter’s relationship and dating behaviors. Positive father involvement consists of 8 themes found which are: Emotions, Father as a Healthy Role Model, Boy Talk, Father’s Advice About Boys, Desired Partner Traits from Father, Father-Partner Similarities, Impact of a Positive Father Relationship and Advice to African American Fathers. An African American father who remains active within their daughter’s life creates positive relationship experiences and positive dating preferences.