CO-Identity with Son Is Core Component in Father’s Development: Same-Gendered Father/Son Relationships foster Relational Development in Fathers

Abstract

What is the crucible of a father’s relationally transformative growth in connection with his sons? In this article, the author first contextualizes relational theory, and then explores the idea that co-identity with a son provides the mortar and pestle for a father’s development in same-gendered relationships. In connection with his son, a father revisits and reconnects with his childhood self, re-engaging and rejuvenating his core-relational being. In the data for exploring fathers’ relational growth and development a subtheme emerged. This subtheme, an intrapsychic phenomenon I have coined Myson/Myself, is expanded in this article. This hypothesis is based on the data from a qualitative study of 23 fathers, who are reflective of the Greater Boston demographic.