Father figure

A father figure is usually an older man, normally one with power, authority, or strength, with whom one can identify with on a deeply psychological level and who generates emotions generally felt towards one's father. Despite the literal term "father figure", the role of a father figure is not limited to the biological parent of a person (especially a child), but may be played by uncles, grandfathers, elder brothers, family friends, or others.

Several studies have suggested that positive father figures (whether biological or not) are generally associated with healthy child development, both in boys and in girls.

Definition

The International Dictionary of Psychology defines "father figure" as "A man to whom a person looks up and whom he treats like a father." The APA Concise Dictionary of Psychology offers a more extensive definition: "a substitute for a person's biological father, who performs typical paternal functions and serves as an object of identification and attachment. [Father figures] may include such individuals as adoptive fathers, stepfathers, older brothers, teachers and others." This dictionary goes on to state that the term is synonymous with father surrogate and surrogate father. The former definition suggests that the term applies to any man, while the latter excludes biological fathers.

Father figure (disambiguation)

Father figure is a psychology term.

Father Figure may also refer to:

Father Figure (song)

"Father Figure" is a U.S. number-one hit song written and performed by George Michael and released on Columbia Records in 1988 as the third single from the album Faith.

Music video

The music video depicts a relationship between a cab driver (George Michael) and a high fashion model (Tania Coleridge). Various intercut flashbacks tell a backstory. George Michael and Andy Morahan won "Best Direction of a Video" at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards for the video.

Chart performance

Released in the United Kingdom in January 1988, "Father Figure" reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart - the first time Michael had failed to reach the top ten in his home country. The song remained a live favourite at Michael's concerts for many years and is also one of his most frequently aired songs on the radio in the UK.

In the US, "Father Figure" became George Michael's sixth number one single (including three #1 singles garnered as half of Wham!). "Father Figure" debuted at #49 on January 16, 1988, while "Faith" was still prominent (at #9) in the top tier of the chart. In the subsequent weeks, "Father Figure" was a surefire hit, reaching #1 by its seventh week, February 27, 1988, staying at the top for two weeks. Altogether, the single spent 6 weeks in the Top 10, 9 weeks in the Top 20, and 14 weeks in the Top 40.