MUTUALITY IN MOTHER-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIPS

The author explored the concept of mutuality, as perceived by daughter s, in the mother-daughter relationship and its impact on the self-este em and social adjustment of the adolescent daughter. Data were gathere d from three schools of higher learning. A sample of 239 respondents, 18-22 years of age, was utilized. Findings supported the study hypothe sis that a positive relationship exists between an adolescent daughter 's perceived mutuality in the mother-daughter relationship and the dau ghter's self-esteem and social adjustment. This research represents an important step in the understanding of the mother-daughter relationsh ip and its role in the development of young women and has implications for social work practice.