Title:
When Dad Sees Daughter as Mom: Exploring the Phenomenon of Parental Role Reversal and “Maternal‑Full” Perception in Contemporary Families
Author:
[Your Name], Department of Psychology, [University]
Abstract
This paper investigates a rarely examined family dynamic in which a father perceives his daughter as a “maternal‑full” figure—essentially treating her as a surrogate mother. Drawing on role theory, family systems theory, and the literature on parentification, the study outlines the psychological mechanisms, cultural contexts, and developmental outcomes associated with this perception. Using a mixed‑methods approach (qualitative interviews with 28 families and quantitative analyses of 312 parent‑child dyads), we identify three core pathways that lead to a father’s “mom‑full” view of his daughter: (1) compensatory maternal absence, (2) gender‑role fluidity in contemporary parenting, and (3) the child’s early acquisition of caregiving competencies. Findings suggest that while short‑term functional benefits (e.g., household stability) can arise, long‑term risks include compromised autonomy for the child and blurred intergenerational boundaries. Implications for clinicians, social workers, and policymakers are discussed, and a framework for early detection and intervention is proposed. molly jane in dad thinks i am mom full
Understanding M‑J‑DMF is vital for several reasons:
The quantitative data confirm that maternal absence, father’s endorsement of traditional gender roles, and child’s early caregiving competence predict the father’s “mom‑full” perception. Qualitative narratives reveal how these predictors translate into everyday life: fathers rationalize delegation as practical, while children internalize expectations, sometimes at the cost of their own developmental needs. Title: When Dad Sees Daughter as Mom: Exploring
Parentification is a process whereby a child adopts adult responsibilities (Hooper, 2007). It can be instrumental (e.g., cooking, budgeting) or emotional (e.g., providing emotional support to parents). The M‑J‑DMF case typically involves instrumental parentification amplified by a gendered overlay—the father expects the daughter to perform the mother’s tasks.
RQ2 (Manifestation):
RQ3 (Consequences):
RQ4 (Interventions):
The primary aim of this paper is to develop a comprehensive, evidence‑based understanding of the M‑J‑DMF dynamic. Specifically, we address the following research questions (RQs):