Growing up with violent fathers: conversations with daughters

摘要

The effects of having witnessed their fathers’ violent behaviour impacts on daughters for along period afterwards, even in adulthood. This study explores this phenomenon by means ofliterature review and interviews. The literature indicates that the effects of paternal violence islinked to forced maturity, secrecy, pretending, self-blame, and negative impact on thedaughter’s relationships with both parents. A narrative approach was used to interview threeadult participants. The conversations were analysed using thematic analysis and hermeneutics.Themes that emerged include avoidance, ambivalence towards the parents, aggression,assertiveness, and over-responsibility. There is a tendency to avoid intense, emotionally-laden,ambiguous and unpredictable situations through the use of interpersonal vigilance, anemotionally strong poise, distancing, being agreeable and devoutness. Also, there is a fear ofbecoming just like their abusive father. The psychological impact of being witness to a father’sviolent behaviours has long-lasting effects on daughters.