Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Supervisors: Stuart Reifel and Harriett D. Romo. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-176).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-176).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.

Despite the growing recognition that the father-child relationship is vital to the development of the child and of the father (Lamb, 1987), little systematic research has addressed changes in father-child relations during adolescence. To overcome this shortcoming, the present study charted changes in aspects of father-adolescent relations over a period of two and one-half years. In addition, this study examined concurrent and reciprocal linkages between father-adolescent relations and the personal characteristics (specifically, the psychological well-being) of fathers and adolescents. Data for the present study consisted of adolescent and father (N = 71) self-reports from a longitudinal questionnaire study spanning 30 months. Data collection occurred on four occasions when the adolescents were 11.6, 12.1, 12.6 and 14.1 years of age (in February 1988, August 1988, February 1989, and August 1990). Measures of father-adolescent relations, father psychological distress, and adolescent self-image were obtained at each time of measurement. Data analysis proceeded in three steps. First, the results showed that fathers decreased their mean level of involvement in child care as their adolescents matured. Fathers' expressions of acceptance toward their adolescents also decreased over the two and one-half years, as did the level of conflictual interactions. Second, fathers who experienced higher distress were likely to experience more conflict with their adolescents as compared to fathers who experienced lower distress. Adolescents who held positive views about themselves were more likely to have accepting father-adolescent relations and to experience less conflict with their fathers. These results remained after controlling for marital adjustment and socioeconomic status. Third, the results of two stage-least squares analyses (2SLS) suggested that the effects between father distress and father-adolescent conflict were unidirectional rather than bi-directional with father distress affecting conflict. Adolescent self-image was reciprocally linked to father-adolescent relations. A positive adolescent self-image appeared to increase the likelihood of more accepting and less conflictual father-adolescent relations. In turn, higher acceptance and lower conflict contributed to more positive adolescent self-image. These results are discussed in terms of the changing functions of fathers in the lives of their adolescent children. / Graduate

Father involvement is a prominent topic in literature and the discourse often refers to the availability and presence of the biological father in the home. Most homes in South Africa are female headed in which fathers are absent and not involved in their children’s lives because of factors such as poverty; cultural expectations of paying for damages and pride price as well as commitment to be part of the child’s life. South Africa has one of the highest rates of non-resident fathers in Africa, with nine million children growing up without fathers. Currently there is insufficient literature on paternity, including father involvement in South Africa, hence this study. It will explore how an African child perceives father involvement, in order to inform professionals when providing interventions. A qualitative exploratory case study design was used to inductively generate themes from five learners relating to their perspective, using semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion interview. From thematic analysis of the participants’ extractions, three themes emerged as the research question answers: i) Theme 1: Impact of father presence/absence on the child; ii) Theme 2: Father’s contribution towards the family; and ii) Theme 3: Family functioning. The results encapsulate the different aspects of what a South African father’s role represents. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

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For many years the focus of research on child well-being and development has been primarily on the dynamics of the mother-child relationship. The mother was seen as the more influential parent as she spends more time with the children. The father’s role in the development process was thus undermined. Fortunately research on the father’s involvement in a child’s life has improved over the past thirty years. Where previously fathers were mostly perceived as the breadwinners and providers they are now also considered as being caregivers who are more closely involved with their children and the accompanying responsibilities. Research indicates the importance of a father’s role in child development and has found that the intellectual, emotional and social development of a child is influenced by the father. The most beneficial circumstances for children to grow up in is where both of the biological parents are part of the household, satisfied with their marital relationship and loving towards their children. Unfortunately there is a significant increase in South African families where the father is absent and where the mother is burdened with additional responsibilities. However, a father can be emotionally absent despite physical proximity and emotionally absent fathers can be included when describing fatherlessness due to the destructive effect it has on children. Some research indicates that a father is the most significant factor in his daughter’s life and the quality of their relationship influences her personality and general well-being in life. Most literature focusing on the paternal parenting role is more focused on the father-son dyad, the least studied parent-adult child dyad is that of adult daughters and fathers. A great number of research studies on the subjects of divorce, single parents, physically absent fathers and the resulting effects on males are available. Much less literature, especially in the South African context, can be found to focus on and explain the experiences of young adult women who grew up with an emotionally absent father. The aim of the study was thus to explore the subjective experiences of young adult women who grew up with an emotionally absent father. A qualitative research method was used with a phenomenological approach as research design. Eleven voluntary, 20-31 year old adult women, participated in the study and were recruited by word of mouth. Data were collected through in-depth interviews that were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Transcribed data were analysed by means of thematic analysis from which themes and sub-themes were derived. Two main themes with sub-themes were identified. It was found that the participants experienced their fathers as emotionally absent because it was difficult to share their emotions with them, the participants' fathers did not show affection or express their love. They showed no interest, approval or acknowledgement and the participants found it difficult to trust their fathers. According to the participants their relationships with other men were influenced because of this. They further struggled with trusting other people and suffered from a low self-esteem. Due to repressed emotions they did not portray their true self and sought their fathers’ approval by doing things he liked. / MA (Clinical Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014