Fond memories of father make for a happier man

Fathers who fill their sons with fond memories of football matches or fishing trips may be doing more good than they realise.

Boys who recall happy times with their father grow up more emotionally stable and resistant to stress, scientists have learned.

Previous research had already shown that motherly affection has a similar effect on babies, helping them to suffer less from anxiety and stress in later life.

The US study focused on 912 men and women, aged 25 to 74, who were asked about the quality of the relationships they had with their parents as children.

Men who remembered their fathers fondly were better able to cope with day-to-day stressful events than those who did not.

Psychologist Melanie Mallers, from California State University, said: "Most studies on parenting focus on the relationship with the mother. But, as our study shows, fathers do play a unique and important role in the mental health of their children much later in life."

The findings were presented yesterday at the the American Psychological Association's convention in San Diego, California.