| dc.description.abstract | Comparing traditional and nontraditional (or “new”) forms of masculinity, this study tested the associations among young adult children’s perceptions of their father’s masculinity and their reports of father-child relational quality (i.e., satisfaction and closeness). It also tested father’s affection and confirmation as parallel mediators of the associations between perceptions of father’s masculinity and father-child relational quality. Results from 227 participants who completed online surveys measures supported this line of reasoning. Whereas perceptions of father’s traditional masculinity were inversely associated with reports of father’s affection, confirmation, and both relational outcomes, perceptions of new masculinity were positively associated with both communication behaviors and relational outcomes. Likewise, reports of father’s acceptance and challenge (i.e., two components of confirmation) and affection functioned as parallel mediators for these associations. The results extend affection exchange theory and confirmation theory by positioning both communication behaviors as explanatory mechanisms for father masculinity and relational quality in father-child relationships. | |
