An observational study on fathers’ self-disclosure and vulnerability in conversations with their adolescent children

Abstract

Self-disclosure and vulnerability are two constructs that play an important role in relational intimacy. To date, almost no research investigates if or how fathers engage in self-disclosure or express vulnerability with their adolescent children. This study addresses this gap by providing a qualitative, thematic account of paternal self-disclosure and vulnerability obtained through observations of fathers engaging in conversations with their adolescent children. Results from this study suggest that, in certain contexts, fathers do self-disclose and express vulnerability with their adolescent children. Additionally, results from this study provide four distinct dimensions of self-disclosure that can be used for further research investigating individuals’ self-disclosure tendencies. Finally, several themes engorged from the data that demonstrate possible methods fathers can use to engage in self-disclosure and vulnerability with their adolescent children.Educational Psycholog