A study from Rutgers University suggests that fathers of daughters may be more attached, committed, and emotionally supportive of their child's mother compared to fathers of sons. Published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, the research was conducted by scholars at Rutgers Business School's Center for Women in Business. The study indicates that having a daughter may strengthen the primary parent relationship, with men showing increased commitment to their partners when they have daughters. Kristina Durante, a professor and co-author of the study, explained that having a daughter can influence a father's psychology in ways that promote greater dedication to the mother. The research involved three surveys with nearly 1,700 parents across the United States. The first survey focused on fathers of daughters under 18, asking about the quality of their relationship with the child's mother. The second survey asked mothers of daughters about their perception of the fathers' behaviors. A third survey aimed to rule out pre-existing biases by including soon-to-be parents during the last trimester of pregnancy. This allowed researchers to determine whether differences in fathers' behavior were present before the child was born or developed after becoming a parent. Krystal Duarte, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Women in Business, noted that fathers of daughters are not necessarily "better" fathers, but they are often seen as more present and supportive partners. One possible explanation is that fathers may be unintentionally teaching their daughters about what to expect from men in relationships. "Fathers are often a daughter's first close look at what to expect from a man in a relationship," said Duarte. "If a father is attentive, supportive, and committed to the mother, that becomes the daughter's model for a good partner." Another theory involves biological factors, such as declines in testosterone levels after fatherhood, which may encourage caregiving and bonding behaviors. However, this would apply to all fathers, regardless of the child's gender. The researchers also considered cultural factors, such as norms around protection and how having a daughter might influence a couple's relational expectations. Durante emphasized that strong relationships benefit both men and women, but historically, they have been especially important for women. A father who actively invests in his partnership sets an example for his daughter, showing that such dedication from a man is not only possible but also valuable.