Here's What Science Has to Say About the Mother-Daughter Bond (2024)

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Here's What Science Has to Say About the Mother-Daughter Bond? ›

"As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong."

"As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong."

These relationships are our first experiences of intimate connection with other humans. And the mother-daughter bond is unique: studies have discovered that this relationship has more impact on a girl's future self-esteem and adult interpersonal/relationship skills than any other relationship in a girl's life.

Psychoanalytical theory reveals the underlying issues that occur in the mother-daughter bond. In particular, the young female needs to break away from the mother in order to form her own unique identity and to define herself as other and not as an extension of her mother.

The Mother-Daughter Attachment Model highlights the emotional and relationship consequences for being the “second sex” as Simone de Beauvoir called it. It puts women's lives and the mother-daughter relationship firmly back into the social and cultural context that they belong.

When children don't form an attachment relationship with a trusted adult in infancy, they can go on to develop a series of emotional, behavioural, and social problems, called child attachment disorder. This might happen if their caregiver is neglectful, abusive, or absent.

Some of the underlying reasons for these types of issues is commonly the generational gap between mothers and daughters and the role of women in society. Historically, the expectation was that the daughter would merely follow in the footsteps of the mother but this is no longer the case.

Attachment theory is based on the belief that the mother-child bond is the essential and primary force in infant development, and thus forms the basis of coping, negotiation of relationships, and personality development. If the mother is absent or unavailable, a primary caregiver serves the mother's role.

The daughter looks up to her mother as her protector, guide, and source of comfort. She learns from her mother's actions, internalising values, and beliefs that will shape her character for years to come. One of the most beautiful aspects of the mother-daughter bond is the unconditional love that exists between them.

Mother and daughter relationship is the unique bond that they are sometimes good companions, good friends, partners in crime and competitors too. Whatever a daughter does, she always has a great support from her mom. And, the older the daughter grows, the close friend she will be for her mom.

What is the best heart touching quote for a daughter from a mother? ›

“In my daughter, I have found my forever friend.” “To my daughter: In your heart, I see my past, my present, and my future.” “Every day, you make me proud to call you my daughter and my best friend.” “Our laughter together is my favorite symphony; our talks, my favorite book.”