Exploring the influence of Parental Romantic vulnerability
A Study of Child Behavior in middle childhood years
Keywords:
Parental love, child growth, family life, cultural rules, emotional understanding, parent-child interaction, social knowledgeAbstract
This research investigates how parental expressions of romantic vulnerability—such as hugging, kissing, and verbal affection—affect children aged 8–13 within Pakistani households. Using interviews with both parents and children, the study explores children’s cognitive, emotional, and social responses to witnessing such interactions. Findings reveal a spectrum of reactions: while many children associate affectionate behavior with emotional safety, others experience discomfort, particularly when behaviors are perceived as overly intimate. Cultural expectations and family communication patterns strongly influence these responses. The study highlights a gap between parents’ intentions to model love and children’s developmental readiness to interpret such behaviors. By addressing this gap, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of how parental romantic behaviors shape children’s emotional development and their conceptualization of relationships
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sumaika Javaid (Author)
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