Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references.

Results indicate that structural factors are highly predictive of paternal commitment and paternal involvement among low-income African American fathers, thus lending strong credence to the structural barriers perspective. Moreover, while findings also indicate that several cultural factors are associated with paternal involvement (e.g., attitudes toward single motherhood and low self-efficacy), they are at odds with the cultural deficiency perspective. These results have both theoretical and policy implications. With respect to fatherhood theory, findings derived from this research call for a much-needed theoretical integration in studying paternal commitment and paternal involvement among low-income African American fathers; that is, to synthesize and integrate a structurally sound theory with a culturally sensitive approach, such as the cultural resiliency perspective. This research also suggests that public policy-makers should be aware of the adaptive strategies that many low-income African American fathers employ in order to be actively involved with their children, especially those who are young.

This study explored the lived experiences of Black fathers who have children but do not reside with them. The study focused in particular on fathers who have formal agreements to pay child support through the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services. The study sought to gain insight into how Black fathers within these circumstances, negotiate parenting with their children and how they understand the meaning of fatherhood. Using the qualitative, narrative methodological approach, data for the study was collected through personal interviews. Data was analyzed and synthesized thematically. 12 participants were recruited from the metro Atlanta area through convenience samples, snowball methods, flyer and posts within the "Black Fathers" social group on Facebook.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Duquesne University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Abstract included in electronic submission form. Includes bibliographical references (p. 190-213) and index.

Dissertation (Ed.D.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2008. / Directed by Tom Martinek; submitted to the Dept. of Exercise and Sport Science. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Jan. 28, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-82).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--UCLA, 2009. / Vita. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-77).

There is a disproportionate number of African American fathers in the State of Tennessee that experience parenting and child support disparities when compared to single parents of other ethnicities. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine the experiences of African American noncustodial fathers and to examine the impact of the codification of Tennessee family laws. The theoretical frameworks for this study were critical race theory, and social construction and policy design. The key research questions examined the lived experiences of African American noncustodial fathers in the State of Tennessee and how the codification of Tennessee family laws contributed to the social construction of African American noncustodial fathers. The general qualitative study included both phenomenological and historical techniques. The data was collected by in-depth interviews of 8 African American noncustodial fathers. The study resulted in 5 emergent themes: many were happy to become fathers; many have no relationship with their child's mother; child support negatively impacted their lives; child support is biased and unfair; and the fathers wanted more time with their children. The State of Tennessee and African American fathers will benefit from the study by replicating the research statewide. Specifically, the role of fathers will be increased, less adversarial co-parenting, and legislators will have scholarly research to show the issues with the laws. The implications for positive social change include lower crimes rates related to child support, increased graduation rates, and enhanced father-child time.

The current study examined the paternal influences on the career development of African American emerging adults. While statistics have shown that many African Americans remain in the lower socioeconomic status bracket and have worse academic and career outcomes, still many African Americans are successful. The literature seems to attribute lack of success to low socioeconomic status, but attributes success to close family relationships. However, most of these studies have focused on maternal relationships and have neglected to include the influence of paternal relationships. Studies that have examined African American fathers have emphasized their negative attributes. Previous studies have also failed to consider the influence of other factors on the career development process such as ethnic identity and psychological adjustment. This study explored the influence of contextual, family, and developmental factors on the career process of African American emerging adults. One hundred sixty-seven African American undergraduate students ages 18 to 25 were recruited for participation in this study. Regression analyses indicated that the quality of the father-child relationship influenced career development, though not in the manner expected. High levels of father support enhanced well-being for individuals with high ethnic identity, but did not produce the same results for individuals with low ethnic identity. Well-being was a significant predictor of career maturity. Explanations, implications, and future directions are discussed.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-82).

Parents of a child diagnosed with autism have a high risk for physical and emotional stress with mental health difficulties. Little research exists regarding fathers with an autistic child, and less information exists on African American fathers who struggle with coping and finding appropriate interventions and resources for raising an autistic child. The purpose of this interpretative, phenomenological study was to analyze the lived experiences of 12 African American fathers raising their child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study's theoretical lens was Bowen's family systems theory. The data from this study consisted of 12 interviews with African American fathers using an open-ended and semistructured format. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The fathers' descriptions of their lived experiences yielded 4 themes: father's interaction with the child, emotional reactions, discipline of the child, and awareness support of autism spectrum disorder. African American fathers indicated positive results caring for their child with autism and desired effective interventions to increase the child's continued success for the future. Findings supported the father's presence as significant as the mothers when caring for a child diagnosed with autism. Implications for positive social change include professionals understanding the lived experiences of the African American father, such as increased community supports, resources, advocates, education, and awareness in the African American community.