The study is particularly relevant in Indonesia, where father absence has become a growing social concern. By exploring the lived experiences of young men raised without paternal involvement, the research offers new insights for families, educators, and policymakers.
A Growing Social Issue with Psychological Consequences
Father absence—often referred to as “fatherlessness”—has become increasingly common due to divorce, separation, work migration, or emotional disengagement within families. The absence of a father figure can remove a key source of:
- Emotional support
- Protection and guidance
- Male role modeling
- Decision-making mentorship
Previous studies have linked father absence to social and academic challenges. However, its long-term impact on young adult men’s happiness and life satisfaction has received less attention, particularly in Indonesia.
This research fills that gap by examining subjective well-being (SWB)—how individuals evaluate their happiness, emotional experiences, and life satisfaction.
Understanding Subjective Well-Being
Subjective well-being consists of two major components:
- Cognitive well-being – life satisfaction and personal evaluation of life conditions
- Affective well-being – balance between positive and negative emotions
The research focused on how father absence influences both components in early adulthood, a stage where individuals are building identity, independence, and future goals.
Research Approach: A Deep Qualitative Case Study
The research used an in-depth qualitative case study to capture real-life experiences in detail.
Key research details:
- Participant: one 19-year-old male raised without a father since infancy due to parental divorce
- Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews
- Observations
- Thematic analysis based on Diener’s subjective well-being framework
This approach allowed researchers to explore emotional experiences, life perceptions, and coping strategies comprehensively.
Key Findings: Low Life Satisfaction and Emotional Struggles
The findings show that the participant’s subjective well-being was relatively low, especially in early adulthood.
Cognitive Component: Low Life Satisfaction
The participant expressed dissatisfaction with life due to several factors:
- Frequent comparison with peers from “complete families”
- Feelings of unfair treatment by extended family caregivers
- Uncertainty about life direction
- Financial worries and educational concerns
- Low self-confidence and poor time management
He also reported feelings of envy when seeing friends with supportive fathers.
However, researchers observed signs of self-acceptance, including growing motivation to focus on the future and personal development.
Affective Component: Negative Emotions More Frequent
Emotionally, negative feelings were more dominant than positive ones.
Common emotions included:
- Envy
- Hidden anger
- Insecurity
- Anxiety about the future
The absence of emotional closeness with his mother—who worked abroad—intensified feelings of loneliness and emotional emptiness.
The research concludes that the absence of both paternal presence and consistent maternal emotional support can hinder happiness and self-actualization in early adulthood.
Signs of Resilience and Positive Coping
Despite emotional challenges, the study also identified encouraging signs of resilience.
The participant demonstrated:
- Growing acceptance of his life situation
- Active efforts to build coping strategies
- Strong reliance on social support from friends
- Participation in campus organizations
- Emotional expression through hobbies such as billiards, drawing, and gaming
The research highlights peer support as a protective factor that helps improve psychological well-being.
According to the research team, friendships and mentorship relationships can foster belonging, self-esteem, and life satisfaction even in the absence of a father figure.
Implications for Families, Education, and Public Policy
The study provides valuable recommendations across multiple sectors.
For Families
- Fathers play a crucial role in shaping male identity.
- Emotional bonding between parents and children must be strengthened.
- Male mentors can serve as alternative role models.
For Education
- Universities should provide mentoring and counseling programs.
- Student organizations can serve as supportive social environments.
For Public Policy
- Parenting programs should emphasize father involvement.
- Mental health services for single-parent families need expansion.
The study emphasizes that fatherlessness is not only a family issue but also a mental health and human development concern.
Recommendations for Future Research
The authors recommend:
- Larger-scale studies involving more participants
- Experimental research to develop psychological interventions
- Programs aimed at improving well-being among fatherless young men
Researcher Perspective
The research team concludes that father absence significantly shapes emotional well-being but does not determine destiny. Social support, self-acceptance, and adaptive coping strategies can help young men build resilience and move toward healthier adulthood.
Author Profiles
- Dylla Aura Permata Sari, S.Psi. – Researcher in developmental psychology, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya.
- Dewi Sartika, M.Psi., Psikolog – Lecturer specializing in family and developmental psychology.
- Ika Risky Hidayah, M.Psi. – Researcher focusing on psychological well-being.
- Bagus Samsuri, M.Psi. – Academic in social psychology and human development.
- Yonathan Setyawan, M.Psi. – Lecturer and researcher in mental health and young adult development.
0 Komentar