Do I Have Daddy Issues?

The term "Daddy issues" has its foundations in the attachment theory developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. It covers the problems associated with early patterns of attachment to paternal figures. While traditionally associated with women, it's important to recognize that individuals across the gender spectrum can exhibit these patterns. In a broader sense, this concept also has echoes in Sigmund Freud's "Father Complex".

Challenges arising from paternal relationships often originate from two primary scenarios: an absentee father or a problematic relationship with a present father. Manifestations of these challenges can span various facets of adult life, including difficulties in forming trusting relationships, struggles with self-perception and self-worth, among others. In essence, our early relationships, particularly with primary caregivers like fathers, wield considerable influence over our adult behaviors and perceptions.

If you find yourself grappling with trust issues, especially with male figures, feeling an intense attraction towards older men, or seeking consistent validation from them, it's possible that these tendencies are reflective of unresolved paternal attachment patterns.

This assessment is tailored to provide insights into whether current relational patterns might be influenced by your early attachment problems with your father or father-like figures.

Try out the quiz and learn more about yourself!