The study is particularly relevant as fatherlessness has become an increasingly visible social issue in Indonesia. Fatherlessness does not only refer to situations where a father is absent due to death or separation. It can also occur when a father is physically present but emotionally unavailable or uninvolved in parenting. Such conditions may affect various aspects of adolescent psychological development, including self-esteem and self-acceptance.
According to data cited in the study, UNICEF reported in 2021 that approximately 20.9 percent of Indonesian children grow up without the presence of a father. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS) recorded that millions of children live without a father figure in their daily lives. Similar conditions were observed at SMK TI Telaga Nipa, where several students were living without their fathers due to divorce or death.
In psychology, self-acceptance refers to an individual’s ability to acknowledge and accept both strengths and weaknesses realistically. Adolescents with healthy self-acceptance tend to have greater confidence, stronger social adjustment, and better psychological well-being. In contrast, low self-acceptance can increase vulnerability to emotional difficulties, social challenges, and academic problems.
To explore the relationship between these factors, Fany Sabban involved all students at the school who were experiencing fatherlessness. A total of 30 students participated in the study. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring fatherlessness and self-acceptance and were analyzed using the Chi-Square statistical test.
Most participants were 16 years old, and female students outnumbered male students. Among the respondents, 70 percent were categorized as experiencing positive fatherlessness, while 30 percent were classified as experiencing negative fatherlessness.
Regarding self-acceptance, the findings showed that:
The most important finding emerged when the relationship between fatherlessness and self-acceptance was analyzed. The statistical test produced a significance value of p = 0.001, well below the accepted threshold of 0.05. This result indicates a significant association between fatherlessness and adolescents’ self-acceptance levels.
Students categorized under positive fatherlessness were more likely to demonstrate moderate to good self-acceptance. In contrast, those experiencing negative fatherlessness were more likely to fall into the low self-acceptance category.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that the absence of a father does not automatically lead to severe psychological difficulties. Family support, healthy peer relationships, and adaptive habits developed from an early age can help adolescents maintain positive levels of self-acceptance despite growing up without a strong father figure.
According to Fany Sabban, a father’s role extends far beyond financial support. Fathers contribute emotional guidance, serve as role models, provide protection, and support children throughout their developmental journey. When these functions are missing or weakened, adolescents may face challenges in their psychological growth and identity formation.
The findings are consistent with previous studies showing that paternal involvement is associated with psychological well-being, self-esteem, and self-acceptance during adolescence. However, this research also highlights the importance of social support systems in reducing the negative effects of fatherlessness.
The study carries important implications for the education sector. Schools are not only institutions for academic learning but also environments that can provide psychological support for students facing family-related challenges. Counseling programs that are sensitive to students’ family backgrounds may help improve mental health, resilience, and social adjustment.
The findings also serve as a reminder that the quality of the father-child relationship is just as important as financial provision. Active involvement, meaningful communication, and emotional availability can have a lasting positive impact on children’s psychological development.
Although the study was limited to a relatively small sample from a single school, it offers valuable insight into the role of fathers in shaping adolescent self-acceptance. Future research involving larger and more diverse populations could provide a broader understanding of the factors that help young people thrive despite experiencing fatherlessness.
Author Profile
Fany Sabban is a researcher and academic affiliated with STIKes Maluku Husada, Indonesia. Her research interests include adolescent psychology, mental health, human development, and the social factors that influence the psychological well-being of children and adolescents.
Research Source
Sabban, Fany. (2026). The Relationship between Fatherlessness and Self-Acceptance Levels among Students at Telaga Nipa Information Technology Vocational School, West Seram Regency. International Journal of Education and Psychological Science (IJEPS), Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 383–390.
0 Komentar