Date

5-23-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

William M. McMillan

Keywords

eastern culture, western culture, attachments, father-son relationships, family relationships, secure attachments, academic, sex education, drug use and/or abuse, physical presence, biblical perspective, circumcision

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This research sought to examine the particular elements of Eastern and Western cultures that either promote or hinder the development of secure father-son relationships through research and Biblical context, and suggest approaches to mitigate the factors that impede it. Participants (n=12) were at least 18 years of age, identified as fathers, had a son currently attending high school, and had a predominant cultural background from either the Eastern or Western regions. A purposive and snowball sampling method, face-to-face interactions, social media platforms, and other digital communication were employed to specifically target the needed participants in this phenomenological qualitative cross-sectional study. Following in-depth semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions, the researcher carefully analyzed information and data obtained using thematic analysis. The findings highlighted some critical elements from both cultures that were vital for fostering father-son bonds, while also warning against detrimental factors to avoid. Certain elements of Eastern and Western civilizations were strikingly analogous, if not identical, while others were distinctly unique and divergent. Some participants claimed to have emulated their relationships with their fathers, while others endeavored to evade replicating a comparable dynamic. These indicated that individuals could improve father-son interactions while maintaining the advantageous aspects of cultural and religious beliefs or identities.

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