Structural Equation Modeling of University Students' Father Attachment, Adult Attachment, and Interpersonal Competence

Abstract

This study analyzed variables’ relationships among university students’ father attachment, adult attachment, and interpersonal competence by applying a structural equation model. In a survey of 338 university students, males were shown to have more stable father and adult attachment than females. Student groups having fathers with higher educational backgrounds and classes, and groups having fathers with professions or office jobs showed higher degrees and quality of father-child communication than other groups. A university student’s father attachment has a positive effect on adult attachment and interpersonal competence, while a university student’s adult attachment has a negative effect on interpersonal competence.