A father figure is usually an older man, normally one with power, authority, or strength, with whom one can identify on a deeply psychological level and who generates emotions generally felt towards one's father. Despite the literal term "father figure", the role of a father figure is not limited to the biological parent of a person (especially a child), but may be played by uncles, grandfathers, elder brothers, family friends, or others.[1] The similar term mother figure refers to an older woman.
Several studies have suggested that positive father figures and mother figures (whether biological or not) are generally associated with healthy child development,[2] both in boys and in girls.[3]
- ^ M. E. Lamb ed., The Role of the Father in Child Development (2010) p. 388
- ^ Science news
- ^ "Daughters need fathers, too". Archived from the original on 2013-07-02. Retrieved 2013-05-26.