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Examination of the African-American Father-Daughter Relationship: Application of the Marschack Interaction Method

Thornton, Amber N.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wsupsych1371739523

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Wright State University, School of Professional Psychology.
Early research on the Black family implied an enormous lack of African-American father presence and involvement among African-American fathers. However, more current research negates those findings by highlighting the contributions African-American fathers make when parenting their children (Coley, 2003; Cooper, 2009; Mandara, Murray & Joyner, 2005). In spite of facing unique psychological and social challenges, such as disproportionate levels of poverty, and race related social barriers, such as the invisibility syndrome (Franklin & Boyd-Franklin, 2000), researchers who have studied the African-American father-daughter dyad have discovered that this relationship has many benefits for African-American girls, including cognitive and academic enhancements, reductions in early sexual behaviors, development of gender identity and increased prosocial behaviors with peers (Black, Dubowitz & Starr, 1999; Coley, 2003; Cooper, 2009; Mandara, Murray & Joyner, 2005). The majority of the research that acknowledges African-American fathering typically involves fathers and sons. Critically, the father-daughter dyad is generally overlooked in psychological investigations of parenting and child development literature. Therefore, this dissertation will examine the African-American father-daughter relationship through application of a dyadic parent-child assessment method called the Marschack Interaction Method. Use of this method will determine the impact that African-American fathers have on their daughters' social and emotional development. An exploratory multiple case study design was developed that observed five African-American father-daughter dyads. Their participation required completion of the following instruments: Multidimensional Parenting Inventory (MDPI), an instrument that has been used in family intervention programs to determine parenting styles. Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), to provide insight into the daughter's behaviors and overall temperament, through the father's perspective. Marschack Interaction Method (MIM), a structured technique used to assess parent-child relationships. Results from this study provide information regarding the amounts of structure, challenge, engagement, and nurturance provided by African-American fathers to their biological or step-daughters, as well as common trends found throughout their interactions. Suggestions for future research studies are also provided.
James Dobbins, Ph.D.; ABPP (Committee Chair)
Janeece Warfield, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
La Pearl Logan Winfrey, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
80 p.
African Americans; Black Studies; Clinical Psychology; Families and Family Life; Psychology
Black; African-American; Fathers; Daughters; Parent-Child; Marschack Interaction Method; Theraplay; Parenting

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Thornton, A. N. (2014). Examination of the African-American Father-Daughter Relationship: Application of the Marschack Interaction Method [Doctoral dissertation, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wsupsych1371739523

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Thornton, Amber. Examination of the African-American Father-Daughter Relationship: Application of the Marschack Interaction Method. 2014. Wright State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wsupsych1371739523.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Thornton, Amber. "Examination of the African-American Father-Daughter Relationship: Application of the Marschack Interaction Method." Doctoral dissertation, Wright State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wsupsych1371739523

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wsupsych1371739523
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This open access ETD is published by Wright State University Professional Psychology Program and OhioLINK.