Growing up without a father: Narratives from adult men

Abstract

Increasingly, children are growing up in single parent households which are typically headed by mothers, signifying that many children are growing up in father absent households. Literature suggests that the experience of father absence may increase the risk of life adversity among some individuals, yet there is scant literature focused on individual narratives of growing up without a father. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore men's experience of father absence and how they perceived this affected their life trajectory. 21 adult men participated in this qualitative study. After interviews were completed, data were transcribed and subject to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the men experienced a sense of sadness associated with the loss of their relationship with their fathers, with several men stating that their depression and mental health issues were attributed to their experience of father absence. The men expressed feeling as though they did not have a father to guide them through life, causing a sense of loneliness, and for some to feel stigma as a result of father absence. Further, as a result of their father absence many men found it difficult to form lasting trusting relationships with other men. The participants in this study attributed many of their mental health and life difficulties to their experience of father absence. Provision of nursing and supportive services are needed in order recognise the potential adverse effects associated with father absence and to promote positive well being among this group.