Fathers with daughters tend to live longer: Study

A recent study has shown an unexpected benefit in a society full of joy offered by girls: men with daughters typically live longer than those without them. This finding calls for a greater look at how delivery affects fathers’ health and lifespan, an area of study that has largely gone untouched.

An thorough investigation on the impact of fatherhood on fathers’ lifespans was undertaken by Jagiellonian University researchers. In the study, a large sample size of over 4,310 people—including 2,147 mothers and 2,163 fathers—was used to gather and analyze demographic data.

In order to identify any potential influences on the longevity of dads, the study carefully examined the number of offspring, distinguishing between daughters and boys. Surprisingly, the statistics showed that neither the overall number of children nor the proportion of sons had any discernable effect on the life expectancy of dads.

But a substantial link between the number of daughters and father lifespan was found.

The primary conclusion of the study is that dads of daughters have a tendency to live longer lives, with an unusual trend emerging: the more daughters a father has, the longer he is likely to live. In fact, the evidence indicates that a father’s longevity increases by an average of “74 weeks” for every daughter born.

While the study’s conclusions on dads show an optimistic outlook, it takes a different direction when looking at how moms are affected by children. A mother’s health and general longevity are negatively impacted by both daughters and sons, according to research in the American Journal of Human Biology. It’s important to note in light of this that women have lately been found to be happier when they are unmarried for extended periods of time.

Alternate Study Findings

Contrary to the above-mentioned study, other research indicates that having a kid, regardless of gender, can help both parents live longer lives. In contrast to couples who choose to stay childless, individuals who have children are more likely to experience prolonged lifespans, according to this alternative research, which lasted 14 years.

Psychological Benefits of Fathers Having Daughters

The psychological benefits of having a daughter for fathers are profound and multi-faceted, influencing their emotional well-being, attitudes, and behaviors. Research studies and psychological literature have delved into this unique relationship, shedding light on the positive impact daughters have on their fathers’ mental health and overall life satisfaction.

One notable benefit is emotional expression. Fathers with daughters often engage in more open and expressive communication, encouraging their emotional sensitivity and empathy. This fosters a nurturing environment where fathers feel more comfortable discussing their feelings, leading to improved emotional intelligence and mental well-being (Lindsey et al., 2005).

Moreover, having a daughter can enhance fathers’ interpersonal relationships. Fathers tend to be more patient and understanding, learning valuable communication skills through their interactions with daughters. This improved communication can positively affect other relationships, including those with partners, friends, and colleagues (Cabrera et al., 2011).

Additionally, daughters can boost fathers’ self-esteem and sense of purpose. Fathers often take on a protective and supportive role, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in their abilities as caregivers. This sense of purpose contributes significantly to their overall life satisfaction and psychological well-being (Sarkadi et al., 2008).

Furthermore, studies suggest that fathers with daughters are more inclined to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. Through their relationship with their daughters, fathers often become advocates for women’s rights and gender equity, contributing to their own sense of fulfillment and social responsibility (Doughty et al., 2019).

In conclusion, the psychological benefits of having a daughter as a father are well-documented. From enhanced emotional expression and improved interpersonal relationships to increased self-esteem and a sense of purpose, daughters play a crucial role in shaping their fathers’ psychological well-being and overall life satisfaction.

References:

1. Lindsey, E. W., Cremeens, P. R., & Caldera, Y. M. (2005). Mother–father–child triadic interactions and father involvement in families with preschool children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 20(1), 1-18.

• Cabrera, N. J., Fagan, J., & Farrie, D. (2008). Explaining the long reach of fathers’ prenatal involvement on later paternal engagement. Journal of Marriage and Family, 70(5), 1094-1107.

• Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers’ involvement and children’s developmental outcomes: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica, 97(2), 153-158.

• Doughty, S. E., McHale, S. M., & Feinberg, M. E. (2019). The intergenerational transmission of fathers’ gender role attitudes and central life goals to their children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 81(3), 656-674.

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