INFLUENCE OF FATHER INVOLVEMNT, ATTACHMENT STYLES AND LEVEL OF EDUACTION ON ROMANTIC PARTNER PERFERENCE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND EMERGING FEMALE STUDENTS

Abstract Romantic Partner Preferences made during adolescence and emerging adulthood often shape future relationship stability, life satisfaction and emotional well-being, making it essential to understand the factors that influence these preferences which have continued to attract scholary. This study investigated the influence of father involvement, attachment styles, and level of education on romantic partner preference among adolescents and emerging female students in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Attachment theory by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth and lamb’s father involvement model, served as the framework. A correlational survey design was used. Convenience sampling and Slovin’s Formula was used to generate 364 undergraduate and secondary school students were served structured questionnaires. Standardized instrument, including the father involvement, the adult attachment scale (AAS) and the mate preference scale, were administered. Data was analyzed using multiple regression and independent t-test. Both actual and expected father involvement significantly predicted romantic partner preference, although the difference was weak (R2 = .044). Among attachment styles, only secure attachment was significant predictor, while avoidant and anxious styles were not. Level of education had stronger influence, with university student reporting higher partner preference scores compared to secondary school students. A combined regression model explained 9.6% of the variance, with education emerging as the strongest predictor, followed by expected father involvement, secure, attachment, and actual father involvement. These findings underscore the critical role of father involvement, secure attachment, actual father involvement. These findings underscore the critical role of father involvement, secure attachment, and educational exposure in shaping partner expectations, while also highlighting the contribution of broader cultural and social factors. They offer insights for parents, counselors and educators seeking to guide young girls toward healthy and realistic relationship choices.