THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON THE WELL-BEING OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS

This study addresses the topic of mother and father involvement during childhood and adolescence as it influences the well-being of sons and daughters. Longitudinal data drawn from the National Survey of Childr en (n = 762) are analyzed using regression techniques. Children's perc eptions of maternal and paternal behavioral and emotional involvement are found to be equally important for the well-being of girls and boys . The results suggest that childhood and ongoing relationships with pa rents are more telling for the well-being of adolescents than is fathe r presence during childhood.