Child Rearing by Single Fathers and their Development as a Parent

Abstract

　　Problems related to child rearing by single fathers and the fathers' development as a parent was investigated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with single fathers (n=22). The results indicated that single fathers had multiple problems, such as simultaneously earning a living, doing housework and childcare. Moreover, they get insufficient financial support. The necessity for social and mental support for such fathers was indicated, because they felt anxiety about child rearing as a single parent and worried about the influence of the divorce on children. It was also indicated they were trying to communicate with concerned people and make relationships with those around them. Moreover, their loss experience had a serious psychological influence on them. Acquiring generativity that includes recognizing the meaning of child rearing through making parental relationships, taking responsibility as a parent, learning and rebuilding the self through child rearing was observed in these fathers, indicative of their development as a parent. Moreover, development of single fathers as human beings was achieved by increasing selfefficacy through experiencing conflicts in the separation from their spouse, work, housekeeping, and child rearing.