How the Father-Child Relationship Shapes a Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being: Key Influencing Factors

How the Father-Child Relationship Shapes a Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being: Key Influencing Factors | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article How the Father-Child Relationship Shapes a Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being: Key Influencing Factors Imad Asmar This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7400692/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Objectives Fathers provide emotional stability and security, which promotes normal mental development in children. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the father-child relationship on a child's behavioral and emotional well-being and its associated factors in Palestine. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational, quantitative, non-experimental study involved a representative sample of fathers who had children aged between 4 and 17 years in Palestine. Data were collected using the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) to assess the strength of the father-child relationship and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to examine the child’s emotional and behavioral well-being. Results Since a close relationship between a father and a child reflects a child's emotional and behavioral well-being, the results suggest that a father-child relationship impacts a child's emotional and behavioral well-being. Behavioral issues and emotional symptoms worsen in a father-child relationship characterized by conflict. Conclusion It is feasible to undertake a study that discusses the impact of this relationship from the perspective of the child and launches public awareness campaigns that highlight the unique role of fathers, the value of their involvement, and its effects on their children’s safety and emotional and behavioral well-being. Nursing Father-child relationship Emotional well-being Behavioral well-being Palestine 1. Introduction The legal relationship between a child and their biological or adoptive father is referred to as the father-child relationship 1 . The father-child relationship is a unique type that is considered the first and closest bond. Children have one of the most important, profound, and lasting influences on their life experience. It affects internal, cognitive, and social development as well as how one interacts with others 2 . The role of fathers and their relationship with their children are no less important than that of their mothers. Most research on parents only discusses mothers, and fathers are not well covered 3 , 4 . The family, along with its components, is considered a basic building block of societies worldwide. The home environment is one of the most important environments that must have an integrated and healthy structure 5 . Otherwise, this may lead to the emergence of many problems that harm everyone 6 . Education and family relations are closely linked to both parents; however, the image and/or status of the mother as a woman in Middle Eastern society makes this fall more on her than on the father because she often has extra free time 4 . The relationship between a father and his children affects their mental, psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being 7 . Research has found that the emotional and behavioral health of children is linked to the psychological health of their parents. 8 . In worldwide, (“Child and adolescent mental and brain health,” WHO 2022.) reported that 10% of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders that affect their individual development throughout their lives 9 . Therefore, providing a stimulating and supportive environment for children helps increase the quality of their relationships and makes them feel safe, stable, and confident 10 . This provides an ideal emotional and social context for children to mature and develop their minds and relationships, making them less vulnerable to psychological problems 5 . There is no clear theory that defines the word "child well-being,” and there has been a noteworthy increase in interest in it. A child's emotional well-being includes the ability to learn how to feel and express emotions, build safe and close relationships, particularly with parents, and cope with unprecedented life challenges 11 . Behavioral well-being is the scientific study of behaviors and biology related to mental health and a child’s ability to function and control behaviors in daily life 12 . However, societal attitudes toward the role of fathers have shifted despite the prevailing belief that the relationship between a father and his child is complex and more sensitive than mother-child relationships 13 . Effective emotional attachment between a father and a child is necessary for success in all areas of life. They are of special importance and work to develop children from a social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological perspective, and support cognitive development, which leads to greater safety 10 , 14 . Children develop better social skills through these interactions, leading to improved relationships with the outside world, increased self-esteem, and higher educational achievements 15 . They also become more emotionally resilient and more accepting of social and physical risks, which in turn helps reduce violent behavior 16 . Unlike mothers, fathers usually engage in challenging and fun physical activities and games such as rough play. These, in turn, create strong effects and opportunities to promote growth and positive outcomes for children, strengthen emotional bonds, foster a sense of security and self-confidence, and enhance academic readiness and performance 13 . This study highlights the importance of understanding how the father-child relationship influences children's emotional and behavioral well-being, emphasizing its significance alongside the mother-child bond. In Palestine, shifts in parental roles due to increased female employment have led fathers to take on more caregiving responsibilities 5 . As previous studies have mainly focused on mothers or both parents together, this research addresses a gap by specifically examining the father-child relationship. The study aims to explore how this connection affects children's health across different Palestinian communities. 2. Methodology 2.1 Research design and setting This cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study was conducted in occupied Palestinian territories in various governorates and places of residence. The participants’ answers to a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. 2.2 Population and sample The study used a convenience non-probability sample of 289 fathers, with children aged 4 to 17 who could read and write Arabic. The sample was selected because this age range represents a critical period of growth and development, during which children are particularly influenced by their fathers. Fathers of children under four or over 17, as well as fathers diagnosed with mental illnesses or using drugs affecting mental health, were excluded from the study, as were fathers of children with developmental delays. 2.3 Instruments and tools of data collection The self-administered questionnaire used to collect data consisted of a list of inquiries. The questionnaire consists of three parts. The first section focused on demographic characteristics, including the father’s age, marital status, place of residence, governorate, family income, educational level, the child’s gender, age, time spent with the child, and the number of male and female siblings. The second section addressed the relationship between fathers and children. The researcher utilized a survey developed by 17 , the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) was used to evaluate the strength and perceptions of the father-child relationship, consisting of 30 items divided into three subscales. The first subscale, the Conflict Subscale, includes 12 items and measures the degree to which parents perceive their relationship with their child as negative, with scores typically ranging from 14–15 among fathers. The second subscale, the Closeness Scale, assesses the warmth, affection, and open communication in the parent-child relationship, with scores of 35–36 for fathers. The third subscale is the Dependence Scale (DS). It covers four items and criticizes the degree of children’s abnormal dependence on their parents. The Cronbach’s alphas for these subscales were 0.83, 0.72, and 0.50, respectively 18 . Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: definitely do not apply, not really, neutral/not sure, applies somewhat, and definitely applies. The researcher assessed the children’s emotional and behavioral well-being using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) developed by 19 . This is 25-question questionnaire categorized into five scales, each containing five items centered on the child’s emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention, peer problems, and pro-social behavior. Responses to each item are on a 3-point Likert scale with three options: not true, somewhat true, and certainly true, and it assigns scores of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The externalizing score, which depicts conduct and hyperactivity, ranges from 0 to 20, whereas the internalizing score, which combines the emotional difficulties and peer problems scales, ranges from 0 to 20. Reliability was satisfactory ( Cronbach’s α = 0.73) 20 . The questionnaire consisted of four papers including a consent form information sheet. The expected time to complete the questionnaire was 10–15 min. 2.4 Data collection Data collection began in March 2024, and continued until April 2024. The members of the research team collected data by distributing printed questionnaires to fathers available in the outreach, according to the convenience of the data collector, such as the market and neighbors. 2.5 Data analysis The data on the impact of the father-child relationship on a child's emotional and behavioral well-being were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 26. A confidence interval of 95% and a 5% error margin were applied, with a p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to assess the strength of the relationship between variables. 2.6 Ethical considerations Ethical approval was taken from the research ethical committee at Birzeit University (reference number BZU-PNH-2329) The researchers fully disclosed the study's goal and anticipated results to fathers before offering them a permission form in clear Arabic language. The study team will only have access to each participant's data, which will be stored to protect privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality. They also had the freedom to withdraw from the study at any time and declined to participate. 3. Results The total number of participants was 390 and they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The number of questionnaires received was 289 and the rest were not returned (101 participants), resulting in a response rate of 74%. As illustrated in Table 1 , the average age of the 289 fathers that made up the research sample was 41.85 (SD = 8.55), whereas the average age of the children was 9.33 (SD = 3.72). Of the fathers who took part, 277 (95.8%) were married and 127 (44%) had graduated from college or university. Most participants earned a monthly family income of 2000–5000 NIS 1 81 (62.6%). Also, fathers spend 51.41(SD = 15.75) hours weekly on average at work, and they spend an average of 5.13 (SD = 30.6) hours a day with the participating child. Regarding the level of education, the percentage of fathers who went to college and university was approximately 44%, while secondary was 35.6%. Table 2 shows that fathers who reported conflicts with their children had a total score of 30.76 (SD = 8.22). However, the closeness of the father-child connection received a total score of 39.78 (SD = 6.39). The combined dependency score was 12.13 (SD = 2.82). The mean ratings for conflict, intimacy, and dependency are 2.56, 3.98, and 3.03, respectively. Each participant received a score ranging from zero to five. Table 2 Descriptive statistics for the father-child relationship scale Variable Total score ( SD) Mean Conflict 30.76 (8.22) 2.56 Closeness 39.78 (6.39) 3.98 Dependence 12.13 (2.82) 3.03 For the five scales and overall problems, Table 3 lists the SDQ mean scores, as well as the ranges of scores for the three bands: normal, borderline, and abnormal. In every category, the majority of children were placed in the "normal" range. While borderline indicates that the score is slightly elevated and may reflect clinically significant problems, it normally indicates that the score is close to the average and that there is little chance of clinically significant problems in this area, indicating that the score is high and that there is a significant risk of clinically significant problems in this area. Table 3 Mean scores and frequencies for bandings of SDQ Variable Mean SD Normal N (%) Borderline N (%) Abnormal N (%) Emotional Symptoms 2.56 2.18 202 (69.6) 38 (13.1) 49 (17.0) Conduct Problems 2.7 1.95 145 (75.4) 54 (18.7) 90 (31.1) Hyperactivity/ Inattention 4.07 2.09 218 (75.4) 33 (11.4) 38 (13.1) Peer Problems 2.57 1.73 159 (55.0) 43 (14.9) 87 (30.1) Prosocial Behavior 7.43 1.84 244 (85.1) 28 (9.7) 15 (5.2) Total Difficulties 11.90 5.96 185 (64.0) 38 (13.1) 66 (22.8) Internalizing Issues 5.26 3.66 - - - Externalizing Issues 6.64 2.90 - - - Table 4 reveals that most items on the SDQ scale are significantly positively correlated, except for the socialization item, which shows a significant negative correlation with emotional symptoms, behavior problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer problems. Closeness was positively correlated with prosocial behavior (r = 0.203, p = 0.001) but negatively correlated with conflict, while conflict was positively linked to behavioral and emotional issues. Children with fathers who have stressful or conflictual interactions exhibit lower prosocial behaviors and more conduct, emotional, inattention, and peer problems. In contrast, children with closer father-child relationships show fewer behavioral issues and higher socialization levels. Table 4 Correlation between father-child relationship and child’s wellbeing. Variable Emotional Conduct Hyperactivity Peer Prosocial Closeness Conflict Emotional symptoms “r” 1 .576 ** .342 ** .500 ** − .185 ** − .358 ** .385 ** p .000 .000 .000 .002 .000 .000 Conduct problems “r” .576 ** 1 .490 ** .421 ** − .228 ** − .303 ** .525 ** p .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 Hyperactivity “r" .342 ** .490 ** 1 .148 * − .295 ** − .175 ** .347 ** p .000 .000 .012 .000 .003 .000 Peer problems “r” .500 ** .421 ** .148 * 1 − .151 * − .290 ** .247 ** p .000 .000 .012 .010 .000 .000 Prosocial Behavior “r” − .185 ** − .228 ** − .295 ** − .151 * 1 .203 ** − .302 ** p .002 .000 .000 .010 .001 .000 Closeness “r” − .358 ** − .303 ** − .175 ** − .290 ** .203 ** 1 − .268 ** p .000 .000 .003 .000 .001 .000 Conflict “r” .385 ** .525 ** .347 ** .247 ** − .302 ** − .268 ** 1 p .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 Note: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). Table 5 compares the sociodemographic characteristics of fathers, the father-child relationship, and children's emotional and behavioral well-being. Significant findings include the influence of the father's age on the closeness of the father-child relationship (F = 3.063, P = 0.048), and marital status affecting emotional symptoms and conduct problems (T = 4.294, P = 0.000; T = -2.639, P = 0.009). Educational level also impacted father-child closeness (F = 3.769, P = 0.0241), while the governorate influenced conflict relationships, conduct problems, and hyperactivity/inattention (T = -2.926, P = 0.004; T = -3.855, P = 0.000; T = -3.117, P = 0.002). Other factors, such as the father's weekly working hours, child age, gender, and family dynamics, were also significantly associated with various behavioral issues in children. 4. Discussion The impact of a father-child interaction on a child's emotional and behavioral health was investigated in this study. The main results showed that closeness and conflict in the father-child connection had a statistically significant effect on the emotional and behavioral health of the child. More precisely, because the father acts as a role model for the child's conduct and beliefs, the father may greatly impact the child's behavior. Thus, children who have strong and close bonds with their fathers exhibit positive emotional symptoms and fewer behavioral problems. In contrast, when it comes to the tense and conflictual relationship between fathers and children, children have more behavioral problems and emotional symptoms. The results of this study align with earlier research that emphasized the importance of fathers’ involvement and connection, suggesting that children who have positive father-child relationships do better with emotional, social, and behavioral well-being 3 . Revealed challenges and conflicts in the father-child bond, ultimately impacting children's emotional and behavioral well-being 21 . The study's findings also suggest that the father-child relationship is significantly affected by the fathers’ sociodemographic characteristics. Father’s age has an impact on the child's emotional connection, behavioral issues, and level of intimacy. A tighter bond may be fostered by older fathers’ experience, tolerance, and stability. Closeness, conflict, behavioral issues, and emotional symptoms were all influenced by the fathers’ marital status. These results underscore the potential benefits of a stable marital environment for children's emotional and behavioral health. Sociodemographic factors, including fathers’ age and marital status, affect children’s overall wellbeing 6 . The degree of education of a father has an impact on how close they are to their child, but it may also be linked to other factors such as improved communication skills, understanding of the child's development, and the ability to provide a nurturing atmosphere. This aligns with previous research indicating a strong correlation between a father's level of education and the quality of their bond with their child, with higher education levels being associated with stronger relationships 22 . This study illustrates how the governorate affects children’s emotional symptoms, behavioral problems, and conflicting relationships with their fathers, which may be due to regional culture and norms. In addition, fathers’ weekly working hours affected their peers’ problems. Previous research has shown a statistically significant inverse relationship between fathers' working hours and the frequency of parental involvement, suggesting that longer work hours are associated with reduced engagement in parenting and influence on children 23 . A previous study highlighted the impact of a child's age on the father-child relationship, suggesting that younger children may be affected more significantly 24 . A child's gender influences prosocial behavior, peer interactions, hyperactivity, and inattention. This aligns with previous studies, which suggest that fathers tend to form stronger emotional bonds with their daughters 25 , 26 . However, it has been suggested that closeness in the father-daughter relationship can sometimes be linked to negative behaviors. Additionally, a child's birth order can influence the closeness of the relationship with their father and peer issues, as some fathers may show preferences for one child over another 27 . Research suggests that the more siblings a person has, the less attached they may be to their fathers. Additionally, the number of female siblings appears to have a stronger impact on a child's emotional symptoms; the greater the number of female siblings, the more pronounced the emotional and psychological challenges the child may experience 28 . However, he remained unaffected by the number of male siblings; this might be because females tend more towards tenderness and emotionality in their daily lives. This finding is supported by research indicating that the number of siblings can affect a child's emotional and behavioral well-being. Children from smaller families tend to perform better in cognitive, educational, and behavioral aspects 29 . The findings of our study demonstrated that fathers’ financial situations had no impact on children’s emotional and behavioral health. However, earlier studies asserted that a father's financial situation and his child's well-being are related 30 . 4.1 Recommendations It is feasible to conduct a study exploring the impact of parent-child relationships from the child's perspective, building on earlier research focused on mothers and fathers. To ensure accuracy and generalizability, a larger, randomly selected sample and a longitudinal study design should be used. Public awareness campaigns are also important to emphasize the father's unique role and its influence on children's safety and emotional well-being. 4.2 Limitations The primary limitation of this study is that it employed a cross-sectional design, which limits the generalizability of the findings and necessitates careful interpretation of the data, owing to the drawbacks in interpreting causal effects. Moreover, the 289-sample size was small, as not all fathers could be reached. Finally, despite the questionnaire taking no more than ten minutes to complete, several fathers declined to do so because of their length. 4.3 Implication to practice Nursing plays a vital role in holistic, family-centered care by understanding family dynamics and supporting children's emotional and behavioral well-being. Nurses should advocate for children, promote positive parent-child interactions, and educate fathers on child development and communication. Their involvement helps strengthen family relationships and improve health outcomes. Collaboration with social workers and psychologists further enhances awareness of the father’s role and supports the creation of holistic care plans. Conclusion The findings in this study proved how several factors influence the father-child relationship, which significantly affects children’s emotional and behavioral well-being. While a conflictual connection raises emotional symptoms and behavioral issues, a close relationship between a father and his child has a favorable impact on well-being. These outcomes underscore the significance of raising dads' understanding of their role in their children's lives and their interactions with their children on their emotional and behavioral well-being. References Redmond M, Martin B. All in the (Definition of) Family: Transnational Parent–Child Relationships, Rights to Family Life, and Canadian Immigration Law. https://doi.org/101177/0192513X211054461 . 2021;44(3):766-784. doi:10.1177/0192513X211054461 Palm G. Attachment Theory and Fathers: Moving From “Being There” to “Being With.” J Fam Theory Rev . 2014;6(4):282-297. doi:10.1111/JFTR.12045 Cabrera NJ. Father involvement, father-child relationship, and attachment in the early years. Attach Hum Dev . 2020;22(1):134-138. doi:10.1080/14616734.2019.1589070 Ward KP, Lee SJ. 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Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe legal relationship between a child and their biological or adoptive father is referred to as the father-child relationship \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The father-child relationship is a unique type that is considered the first and closest bond. Children have one of the most important, profound, and lasting influences on their life experience. It affects internal, cognitive, and social development as well as how one interacts with others \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The role of fathers and their relationship with their children are no less important than that of their mothers. Most research on parents only discusses mothers, and fathers are not well covered \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The family, along with its components, is considered a basic building block of societies worldwide. The home environment is one of the most important environments that must have an integrated and healthy structure \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Otherwise, this may lead to the emergence of many problems that harm everyone \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Education and family relations are closely linked to both parents; however, the image and/or status of the mother as a woman in Middle Eastern society makes this fall more on her than on the father because she often has extra free time \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The relationship between a father and his children affects their mental, psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Research has found that the emotional and behavioral health of children is linked to the psychological health of their parents. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn worldwide, (\u0026ldquo;Child and adolescent mental and brain health,\u0026rdquo; WHO 2022.) reported that 10% of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders that affect their individual development throughout their lives \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Therefore, providing a stimulating and supportive environment for children helps increase the quality of their relationships and makes them feel safe, stable, and confident \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This provides an ideal emotional and social context for children to mature and develop their minds and relationships, making them less vulnerable to psychological problems \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is no clear theory that defines the word \"child well-being,\u0026rdquo; and there has been a noteworthy increase in interest in it. A child's emotional well-being includes the ability to learn how to feel and express emotions, build safe and close relationships, particularly with parents, and cope with unprecedented life challenges \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Behavioral well-being is the scientific study of behaviors and biology related to mental health and a child\u0026rsquo;s ability to function and control behaviors in daily life \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, societal attitudes toward the role of fathers have shifted despite the prevailing belief that the relationship between a father and his child is complex and more sensitive than mother-child relationships \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Effective emotional attachment between a father and a child is necessary for success in all areas of life. They are of special importance and work to develop children from a social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological perspective, and support cognitive development, which leads to greater safety \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Children develop better social skills through these interactions, leading to improved relationships with the outside world, increased self-esteem, and higher educational achievements \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. They also become more emotionally resilient and more accepting of social and physical risks, which in turn helps reduce violent behavior \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Unlike mothers, fathers usually engage in challenging and fun physical activities and games such as rough play. These, in turn, create strong effects and opportunities to promote growth and positive outcomes for children, strengthen emotional bonds, foster a sense of security and self-confidence, and enhance academic readiness and performance \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights the importance of understanding how the father-child relationship influences children's emotional and behavioral well-being, emphasizing its significance alongside the mother-child bond. In Palestine, shifts in parental roles due to increased female employment have led fathers to take on more caregiving responsibilities\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. As previous studies have mainly focused on mothers or both parents together, this research addresses a gap by specifically examining the father-child relationship. The study aims to explore how this connection affects children's health across different Palestinian communities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1 Research design and setting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study was conducted in occupied Palestinian territories in various governorates and places of residence. The participants\u0026rsquo; answers to a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2 Population and sample\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study used a convenience non-probability sample of 289 fathers, with children aged 4 to 17 who could read and write Arabic. The sample was selected because this age range represents a critical period of growth and development, during which children are particularly influenced by their fathers. Fathers of children under four or over 17, as well as fathers diagnosed with mental illnesses or using drugs affecting mental health, were excluded from the study, as were fathers of children with developmental delays.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3 Instruments and tools of data collection\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe self-administered questionnaire used to collect data consisted of a list of inquiries. The questionnaire consists of three parts. The first section focused on demographic characteristics, including the father\u0026rsquo;s age, marital status, place of residence, governorate, family income, educational level, the child\u0026rsquo;s gender, age, time spent with the child, and the number of male and female siblings. The second section addressed the relationship between fathers and children. The researcher utilized a survey developed by \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) was used to evaluate the strength and perceptions of the father-child relationship, consisting of 30 items divided into three subscales. The first subscale, the Conflict Subscale, includes 12 items and measures the degree to which parents perceive their relationship with their child as negative, with scores typically ranging from 14\u0026ndash;15 among fathers. The second subscale, the Closeness Scale, assesses the warmth, affection, and open communication in the parent-child relationship, with scores of 35\u0026ndash;36 for fathers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe third subscale is the Dependence Scale (DS). It covers four items and criticizes the degree of children\u0026rsquo;s abnormal dependence on their parents. The Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alphas for these subscales were 0.83, 0.72, and 0.50, respectively \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale with the following options: definitely do not apply, not really, neutral/not sure, applies somewhat, and definitely applies. The researcher assessed the children\u0026rsquo;s emotional and behavioral well-being using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) developed by \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This is 25-question questionnaire categorized into five scales, each containing five items centered on the child\u0026rsquo;s emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention, peer problems, and pro-social behavior. Responses to each item are on a 3-point Likert scale with three options: not true, somewhat true, and certainly true, and it assigns scores of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The externalizing score, which depicts conduct and hyperactivity, ranges from 0 to 20, whereas the internalizing score, which combines the emotional difficulties and peer problems scales, ranges from 0 to 20. Reliability was satisfactory ( Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.73) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The questionnaire consisted of four papers including a consent form information sheet. The expected time to complete the questionnaire was 10\u0026ndash;15 min.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.4 Data collection\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData collection began in March 2024, and continued until April 2024. The members of the research team collected data by distributing printed questionnaires to fathers available in the outreach, according to the convenience of the data collector, such as the market and neighbors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5 Data analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data on the impact of the father-child relationship on a child's emotional and behavioral well-being were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 26. A confidence interval of 95% and a 5% error margin were applied, with a p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to assess the strength of the relationship between variables.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.6 Ethical considerations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEthical approval was taken from the research ethical committee at Birzeit University (reference number BZU-PNH-2329) The researchers fully disclosed the study's goal and anticipated results to fathers before offering them a permission form in clear Arabic language. The study team will only have access to each participant's data, which will be stored to protect privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality. They also had the freedom to withdraw from the study at any time and declined to participate.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe total number of participants was 390 and they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The number of questionnaires received was 289 and the rest were not returned (101 participants), resulting in a response rate of 74%. As illustrated in Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, the average age of the 289 fathers that made up the research sample was 41.85 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8.55), whereas the average age of the children was 9.33 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.72). Of the fathers who took part, 277 (95.8%) were married and 127 (44%) had graduated from college or university. Most participants earned a monthly family income of 2000\u0026ndash;5000 NIS 1 81 (62.6%). Also, fathers spend 51.41(SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15.75) hours weekly on average at work, and they spend an average of 5.13 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;30.6) hours a day with the participating child. Regarding the level of education, the percentage of fathers who went to college and university was approximately 44%, while secondary was 35.6%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows that fathers who reported conflicts with their children had a total score of 30.76 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8.22). However, the closeness of the father-child connection received a total score of 39.78 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.39). The combined dependency score was 12.13 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.82). The mean ratings for conflict, intimacy, and dependency are 2.56, 3.98, and 3.03, respectively. Each participant received a score ranging from zero to five.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDescriptive statistics for the father-child relationship scale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal score ( SD)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConflict\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.76 (8.22)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCloseness\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.78 (6.39)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDependence\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.13 (2.82)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the five scales and overall problems, Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e lists the SDQ mean scores, as well as the ranges of scores for the three bands: normal, borderline, and abnormal. In every category, the majority of children were placed in the \u0026quot;normal\u0026quot; range. While borderline indicates that the score is slightly elevated and may reflect clinically significant problems, it normally indicates that the score is close to the average and that there is little chance of clinically significant problems in this area, indicating that the score is high and that there is a significant risk of clinically significant problems in this area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean scores and frequencies for bandings of SDQ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNormal N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBorderline N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbnormal N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmotional Symptoms\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e202 (69.6)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (13.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49 (17.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConduct Problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145 (75.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54 (18.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90 (31.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHyperactivity/ Inattention\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e218 (75.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33 (11.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (13.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePeer Problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e159 (55.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43 (14.9)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87 (30.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProsocial Behavior\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e244 (85.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28 (9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 (5.2)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal Difficulties\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185 (64.0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38 (13.1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66 (22.8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInternalizing Issues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExternalizing Issues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e reveals that most items on the SDQ scale are significantly positively correlated, except for the socialization item, which shows a significant negative correlation with emotional symptoms, behavior problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer problems. Closeness was positively correlated with prosocial behavior (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.203, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001) but negatively correlated with conflict, while conflict was positively linked to behavioral and emotional issues. Children with fathers who have stressful or conflictual interactions exhibit lower prosocial behaviors and more conduct, emotional, inattention, and peer problems. In contrast, children with closer father-child relationships show fewer behavioral issues and higher socialization levels.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCorrelation between father-child relationship and child\u0026rsquo;s wellbeing.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmotional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConduct\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHyperactivity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePeer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProsocial\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCloseness\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConflict\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmotional symptoms\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.576\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.342\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.500\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.185\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.358\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.385\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConduct problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.576\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.490\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.421\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.228\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.303\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.525\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHyperactivity\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026quot;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.342\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.490\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.148\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.295\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.175\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.347\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePeer problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.500\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.421\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.148\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.151\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.290\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.247\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.010\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProsocial Behavior\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.185\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.228\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.295\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.151\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.203\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.302\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.010\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCloseness\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.358\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.303\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.175\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.290\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.203\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.268\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConflict\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;r\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.385\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.525\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.347\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.247\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.302\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.268\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNote: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e compares the sociodemographic characteristics of fathers, the father-child relationship, and children\u0026apos;s emotional and behavioral well-being. Significant findings include the influence of the father\u0026apos;s age on the closeness of the father-child relationship (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.063, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.048), and marital status affecting emotional symptoms and conduct problems (T\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.294, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000; T = -2.639, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.009). Educational level also impacted father-child closeness (F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.769, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0241), while the governorate influenced conflict relationships, conduct problems, and hyperactivity/inattention (T = -2.926, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004; T = -3.855, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.000; T = -3.117, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002). Other factors, such as the father\u0026apos;s weekly working hours, child age, gender, and family dynamics, were also significantly associated with various behavioral issues in children.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe impact of a father-child interaction on a child's emotional and behavioral health was investigated in this study. The main results showed that closeness and conflict in the father-child connection had a statistically significant effect on the emotional and behavioral health of the child. More precisely, because the father acts as a role model for the child's conduct and beliefs, the father may greatly impact the child's behavior. Thus, children who have strong and close bonds with their fathers exhibit positive emotional symptoms and fewer behavioral problems. In contrast, when it comes to the tense and conflictual relationship between fathers and children, children have more behavioral problems and emotional symptoms. The results of this study align with earlier research that emphasized the importance of fathers\u0026rsquo; involvement and connection, suggesting that children who have positive father-child relationships do better with emotional, social, and behavioral well-being\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Revealed challenges and conflicts in the father-child bond, ultimately impacting children's emotional and behavioral well-being \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study's findings also suggest that the father-child relationship is significantly affected by the fathers\u0026rsquo; sociodemographic characteristics. Father\u0026rsquo;s age has an impact on the child's emotional connection, behavioral issues, and level of intimacy. A tighter bond may be fostered by older fathers\u0026rsquo; experience, tolerance, and stability. Closeness, conflict, behavioral issues, and emotional symptoms were all influenced by the fathers\u0026rsquo; marital status. These results underscore the potential benefits of a stable marital environment for children's emotional and behavioral health. Sociodemographic factors, including fathers\u0026rsquo; age and marital status, affect children\u0026rsquo;s overall wellbeing \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The degree of education of a father has an impact on how close they are to their child, but it may also be linked to other factors such as improved communication skills, understanding of the child's development, and the ability to provide a nurturing atmosphere. This aligns with previous research indicating a strong correlation between a father's level of education and the quality of their bond with their child, with higher education levels being associated with stronger relationships \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This study illustrates how the governorate affects children\u0026rsquo;s emotional symptoms, behavioral problems, and conflicting relationships with their fathers, which may be due to regional culture and norms. In addition, fathers\u0026rsquo; weekly working hours affected their peers\u0026rsquo; problems. Previous research has shown a statistically significant inverse relationship between fathers' working hours and the frequency of parental involvement, suggesting that longer work hours are associated with reduced engagement in parenting and influence on children \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. A previous study highlighted the impact of a child's age on the father-child relationship, suggesting that younger children may be affected more significantly \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA child's gender influences prosocial behavior, peer interactions, hyperactivity, and inattention. This aligns with previous studies, which suggest that fathers tend to form stronger emotional bonds with their daughters \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, it has been suggested that closeness in the father-daughter relationship can sometimes be linked to negative behaviors. Additionally, a child's birth order can influence the closeness of the relationship with their father and peer issues, as some fathers may show preferences for one child over another \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Research suggests that the more siblings a person has, the less attached they may be to their fathers. Additionally, the number of female siblings appears to have a stronger impact on a child's emotional symptoms; the greater the number of female siblings, the more pronounced the emotional and psychological challenges the child may experience \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, he remained unaffected by the number of male siblings; this might be because females tend more towards tenderness and emotionality in their daily lives. This finding is supported by research indicating that the number of siblings can affect a child's emotional and behavioral well-being. Children from smaller families tend to perform better in cognitive, educational, and behavioral aspects \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The findings of our study demonstrated that fathers\u0026rsquo; financial situations had no impact on children\u0026rsquo;s emotional and behavioral health. However, earlier studies asserted that a father's financial situation and his child's well-being are related \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.1 Recommendations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is feasible to conduct a study exploring the impact of parent-child relationships from the child's perspective, building on earlier research focused on mothers and fathers. To ensure accuracy and generalizability, a larger, randomly selected sample and a longitudinal study design should be used. Public awareness campaigns are also important to emphasize the father's unique role and its influence on children's safety and emotional well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.2 Limitations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe primary limitation of this study is that it employed a cross-sectional design, which limits the generalizability of the findings and necessitates careful interpretation of the data, owing to the drawbacks in interpreting causal effects. Moreover, the 289-sample size was small, as not all fathers could be reached. Finally, despite the questionnaire taking no more than ten minutes to complete, several fathers declined to do so because of their length.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.3 Implication to practice\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNursing plays a vital role in holistic, family-centered care by understanding family dynamics and supporting children's emotional and behavioral well-being. Nurses should advocate for children, promote positive parent-child interactions, and educate fathers on child development and communication. Their involvement helps strengthen family relationships and improve health outcomes. Collaboration with social workers and psychologists further enhances awareness of the father\u0026rsquo;s role and supports the creation of holistic care plans.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe findings in this study proved how several factors influence the father-child relationship, which significantly affects children\u0026rsquo;s emotional and behavioral well-being. While a conflictual connection raises emotional symptoms and behavioral issues, a close relationship between a father and his child has a favorable impact on well-being. These outcomes underscore the significance of raising dads' understanding of their role in their children's lives and their interactions with their children on their emotional and behavioral well-being.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRedmond M, Martin B. All in the (Definition of) Family: Transnational Parent\u0026ndash;Child Relationships, Rights to Family Life, and Canadian Immigration Law. \u003cem\u003ehttps://doi.org/101177/0192513X211054461\u003c/em\u003e. 2021;44(3):766-784. doi:10.1177/0192513X211054461\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePalm G. Attachment Theory and Fathers: Moving From \u0026ldquo;Being There\u0026rdquo; to \u0026ldquo;Being With.\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003eJ Fam Theory Rev\u003c/em\u003e. 2014;6(4):282-297. doi:10.1111/JFTR.12045\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCabrera NJ. Father involvement, father-child relationship, and attachment in the early years. \u003cem\u003eAttach Hum Dev\u003c/em\u003e. 2020;22(1):134-138. doi:10.1080/14616734.2019.1589070\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWard KP, Lee SJ. Mothers\u0026rsquo; and fathers\u0026rsquo; parenting stress, responsiveness, and child wellbeing among low-income families. \u003cem\u003eChild Youth Serv Rev\u003c/em\u003e. 2020;116:105218. doi:10.1016/J.CHILDYOUTH.2020.105218\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDreidi M, Asmar I, Tawafsha A, et al. The effects of mother-child relationship and mother\u0026rsquo;s personality traits on Child\u0026rsquo;s emotional and behavioral well-being. \u003cem\u003eJ Neonatal Nurs\u003c/em\u003e. Published online January 25, 2024. doi:10.1016/J.JNN.2024.01.008\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAzuine RE, Singh GK. Father\u0026rsquo;s Health Status and Inequalities in Physical and Mental Health of U.S. Children: A Population-Based Study. \u003cem\u003ehttps://home.liebertpub.com/heq\u003c/em\u003e. 2019;3(1):495-503. doi:10.1089/HEQ.2019.0051\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eS\u0026aacute;nchez-N\u0026uacute;\u0026ntilde;ez MT, Garc\u0026iacute;a-Rubio N, Fern\u0026aacute;ndez-Berrocal P, Latorre JM. Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health in the Family: The Influence of Emotional Intelligence Perceived by Parents and Children. \u003cem\u003eInt J Environ Res Public Heal 2020, Vol 17, Page 6255\u003c/em\u003e. 2020;17(17):6255. doi:10.3390/IJERPH17176255\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWolicki SB, Bitsko RH, Cree RA, et al. Mental Health of Parents and Primary Caregivers by Sex and Associated Child Health Indicators. \u003cem\u003eAdvers Resil Sci\u003c/em\u003e. 2023;2(2):125-139. doi:10.1007/S42844-021-00037-7\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChild and adolescent mental and brain health. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://www.who.int/activities/improving-the-mental-and-brain-health-of-children-and-adolescents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEllis S, Harris VW, Ellis SM, Khan YS, Mcwilliams R, Converse D. The Impact of Fathers on Children\u0026rsquo;s Well-Being 1. Published online 2014. 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Accessed June 19, 2024. http://www.gov.scot/publications/growing-up-scotland-father-child-relationships-child-socio-emotional-wellbeing/pages/8/\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi C, Zhan Y. The influence of parents\u0026rsquo; educational background on parent-child relationship. \u003cem\u003eSHS Web Conf\u003c/em\u003e. 2023;180:02034. doi:10.1051/SHSCONF/202318002034\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKasamatsu H, Tsuchida A, Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Inoue M, Inadera H. Impact of longer working hours on fathers\u0026rsquo; parenting behavior when their infants are 6 months old: The Japan Environment and Children\u0026rsquo;s Study. \u003cem\u003eFront Public Heal\u003c/em\u003e. 2023;11:1100923. doi:10.3389/FPUBH.2023.1100923/BIBTEX\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAzuine RE, Singh GK. 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Parent\u0026ndash;child relationships and Chinese children\u0026rsquo;s social adaptations: Gender difference in parent\u0026ndash;child dyads. \u003cem\u003ePers Relatsh\u003c/em\u003e. 2018;25(4):462-479. doi:10.1111/PERE.12254\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMerry JJ, Bobbitt-Zeher D, Downey DB. Number of Siblings in Childhood, Social Outcomes in Adulthood. \u003cem\u003ehttps://doi.org/101177/0192513X19873356\u003c/em\u003e. 2019;41(2):212-234. doi:10.1177/0192513X19873356\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYue A, Jiao Q, Lyu X, et al. Sibling struggles: the impact of siblings upon child development in rural China. \u003cem\u003eEarly Child Dev Care\u003c/em\u003e. 2022;192(10):1643-1658. doi:10.1080/03004430.2021.1920938\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeng S. Fathers\u0026rsquo; socioeconomic status and Children\u0026rsquo;s developmental outcomes: The role of parental depressive symptoms and parent-child interactions. \u003cem\u003eCurr Psychol\u003c/em\u003e. 2023;42(4):3151-3159. doi:10.1007/S12144-021-01672-0/METRICS\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Table 1 and 5","content":"\u003cp\u003eTable 1 and 5 are available in the Supplementary Files section.\u003c/p\u003e\n"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"Birzeit University","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Father-child relationship, Emotional well-being, Behavioral well-being, Palestine","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7400692/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7400692/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eObjectives\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFathers provide emotional stability and security, which promotes normal mental development in children. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the father-child relationship on a child's behavioral and emotional well-being and its associated factors in Palestine.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational, quantitative, non-experimental study involved a representative sample of fathers who had children aged between 4 and 17 years in Palestine. Data were collected using the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) to assess the strength of the father-child relationship and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to examine the child\u0026rsquo;s emotional and behavioral well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince a close relationship between a father and a child reflects a child's emotional and behavioral well-being, the results suggest that a father-child relationship impacts a child's emotional and behavioral well-being. Behavioral issues and emotional symptoms worsen in a father-child relationship characterized by conflict.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is feasible to undertake a study that discusses the impact of this relationship from the perspective of the child and launches public awareness campaigns that highlight the unique role of fathers, the value of their involvement, and its effects on their children\u0026rsquo;s safety and emotional and behavioral well-being.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"How the Father-Child Relationship Shapes a Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being: Key Influencing Factors","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-19 09:10:02","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7400692/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"8ba7c557-76f2-4ef5-8d7e-cd8e136bb937","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 19th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":53322377,"name":"Nursing"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-19T09:10:02+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-19 09:10:02","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7400692","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7400692","identity":"rs-7400692","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}