Examining the relationship between separation-individualization and father presence in young adults in the family context

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived paternal attitudes and the separation-individuation process in young adults, along with the factors influencing fatherhood (parental relationship, maternal support in the father–child relationship, and the father's relationship with his own father), as well as the potential impact of maternal attitudes.The sample consisted of a total of 755 participants, including 640 females and 115 males. Data were collected online using the Personal Information Form, the Father Presence Questionnaire, the Shortened Version of the Perceived Parenting Styles Questionnaire – Child Form, and the Parenting Styles Scale. Data were analyzed by Correlation, Multiple Linear Regression, and Hierarchical Regression analyses. The results indicated a negative correlation between the pathological separation-individuation level and positive maternal and paternal attitudes, a positive parental relationship, maternal support in the father–child relationship, and the father's positive relationship with his own father, whereas a positive correlation was found with negative maternal and paternal attitudes. Furthermore, the parental relationship and negative paternal attitudes (rejection and strict control) were found to be significant predictors of the pathological separation-individuation level. The most interesting result of the hierarchical regression analysis was that, the predictive power of negative paternal attitudes remained significant, albeit small, even after controlling for the factors influencing fatherhood. The findings were discussed in the context of existing literature, and suggestions were provided for future research. Keywords: Separation-Individuation, Perceived Paternal Attitudes, Parental Relationship, Factors Influencing Fatherhood, Borderline Personality