Email this article 
(Satya Wacana Christian University, Indonesia)(2) Rudangta Arianti
(Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Indonesia)*corresponding author
AbstractOver the years, children who do not have a father figure has become a widely discussed topic. The absence of a father figure, which can be caused by death, criminal punishment, neglect, or limited amount of contact such as divorce. Previous studies have explored self-esteem in adolescents who have lost a father figure, but specifically since what age hasn’t recently been studied enough. Therefore, this research’s participants will focus on adolescents who have lost a father figure since an early age, precisely between the ages of 0 – 6 years. A qualitative approach and phenomenological method were used with the aim of presenting a picture and explanation of the phenomenon, and due to the specific criterias, purposive sampling technique would be most ideal to obtain participants for this research. Results of this study emerged four major themes, each with its own additional points. Struggles of fatherlessness elaborates on the challenges and struggles that occur from this phenomenon, including identity dilemma, and the feeling of missing a form of paternal attachent. Acceptance tells the process of accepting one's condition, which automatically differentiates them from people in general with complete parents. Independence and control describe the dynamics that participants go through regarding control over their personal lives due to the dominance and expectations of their mother after losing the father figure in a household. Self-assurance explains how participants deal with the challenges from the loss of their father figure.
KeywordsAdolescence; Adolescent; Early Paternal Loss; Attachment; Fatherless; Fatherlessness; Father Figure; Father Loss; Identity; Self-Esteem
|
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.7210552025 |
Article metricsRead: 1734 | Download: 2321 |
Cite |
Full Text Download
|
References
Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006
Caspi, A., Houts, R. M., Belsky, D. W., Harrington, H., Hogan, S., Ramrakha, S., Poulton, R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2017). Childhood forecasting of a small segment of the population with large economic burden. Nature Human Behaviour, 1(0005), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-016-0005
Castetter, C. (2020). The developmental effects on the daughter of an absent father throughout her lifespan. Honors Seniors Capstone Projects, 50.
Chung, J. M., Hutteman, R., van Aken, M. A. G., & Denissen, J. J. A. (2017). High, low, and in between: Self-esteem development from middle childhood to young adulthood. Journal of Research in Personality, 108(5), 767-783. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000015
Coopersmith, S. (1981). Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventories (CSEI). Consulting Psychologists Press.
Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches.
Crocetti, E. (2017). Identity formation in adolescence: The dynamic of forming and consolidating identyty commitments. Child Development Perspectives, 11(2). 145-150. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12226
De Lange, G. (2017). Gender identity and self-esteem of boys growing up without a father. Social Cosmos, 2, 97-103.
Deshpande, A., & Chhabriya, M. (2013). Parenting styles and its effects on adolescents’ self-esteem. International Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology (IJIET), 2(4), 310-315.
Djawa, K. R. (2019). Pengaruh self-esteem terhadap agresi pada remaja dengan father-absence. Universitas Airlangga: Repository
Dwianti, S., Riza, W. L., & Aisha, D. (2024). Self-esteem in fatherless adolescent is reviewed by parental attachment and peer relationship. Psikoborneo, 12(3), 333-340. http://dx.doi.org/10.30872/psikoborneo.v12i3.15505
East, L., Jackson, D., & O’Brien, L. (2007). Father absence and adolescent development: A review of literature. Journal of Child Health Care, 10(4), 283-295. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367493506067869
Erikson, E. (1950). Childhood and Society. New York: Norton.
Fields, S. B. (2014). Fatherless families: An association test and pilot study examining self-esteem, academic achievement, and community setting of adolescent African-American males. Capella University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Frazier, D. M., & Cowan, R. G. (2020). The correlation between attachment style, self-esteem, and atherlessal well-being of fatherless women ages 25-55. Adultspan Journal, 19(2), 67-76.
Hadi, F. H., Hastuti, E., & Marthalena, D. (2024). Dampak fatherless terhadap kecerdasan sosial dan emosional: Penelitian eksploratif terhadap anak perempuan. ADAPTASI: Jurnal Sosial Humaniora dan Keagamaan, 1(1), 54-66.
Hafni, M., & Sairah, S. (2021). Coping stress post-mortal spouse: A qualitative study of single mothers. International Journal of Management Studies and Social Science Research, 3(2), 173-180.
Hancock, B. (1998). Trent Focus for Research and Development in Primary Health Care: An Introduction to Qualitative Research.
Harris, M. A., & Orth, U. (2020). The link between self-esteem and social relationships: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Personality Processes and Individual Differences, 119(6), 1459-1477. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000265
Hendricks, C. S., Cesario, S. K., Murdaugh, C., Gibbons, M. E., Servonsky, E. J., Bobadila, R. V., Hendricks, D. L., Spencer-Morgan, B., & Tavakoli, A. (2005). The influence of father absence on the self-esteem and self-reported sexual activity of rural southern adolescents. The ABNF Journal, 16(6), 124-131.
Hidayah, N., Ramli, A., & Tassia, F. (2023). Fatherless effects on individual development: An analysis of psychological point of view and Islamic perspective. Innovative: Journal of Social Science Research, 3(2), 754-766.
Hopner, V., Hodgetts, D., Carr, S., Ball, R., Nelson, N., & Chamberlain, K. (2020). Introduction to the special section on the psychology of security. International Perspectives on Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation, 9(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1037/ipp0000123
Howitt, D. (2010). Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Psychology. Harlow: Pearson Eduation Limited
Ibigbami, O. I., Folayan, M. O., Oginni, O. A., & Lusher, J. (2024). Mediating effects of psychological resilience and self-esteem on the association between early childhood adversity and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Nigeria, 5, 257-266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42844-024-00133-4
James, C. E. (2012). Students “at risk”: Stereotypes and schooling of the black boys. Urban Education, 47(2), 464-494. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042085911429084
Keizer, R., Helmerhorst, K. O., & Gelderen, L. V. R. (2019). Perceived quality of the mother-adolescent and father-adolescent attachment relationship and adolescent’s self-esteem. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48, 1203-1217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-01007-0
Kesebonye, W. M., & Amone-P’Olak, K. (2020). The influence of father involvement during childhood on the emotional well-being of young adult offspring: A cross-sectional survey of students at a university in Botswana. South African Journal of Psychology, 51(3), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1177/0081246320962718
Kevorkian, C. (2010). Father absence and self-esteem amongst economically disadvantaged children. Social Work Theses. 55
Kollndorfer, K., Reichert, J. L., Brückler, B., Hinterleitner, V., & Scöpf, V. (2017). Self-esteem as an important factor in quality of life and depressive symptoms in anosmia: A pilot study. Clinical Otolaryngology, 42(6), 1229-1234. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.12855
Krauss, S., Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2020). Family environment and self-esteem development: a longitudinal study from age 10 to 16. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 119(2), 457-478. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000263
La Guardia, A. C., Nelson, J. A., & Lertora, I. M. (2014). The impact of father absence on daughter sexual development and behaviors: Implications for professional counselors. The Family Journal, 22(3), 339-346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480714529887
Lagi ramai jadi obrolan medsos, apa itu “Fatherless”? (2024, May). CNN Indonesia. Retrieved from: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20240515104545-284-1097813/lagi-ramai-jadi-obrolan-medsos-apa-itufatherless#:~:text=Indonesia%20sebagai%20'negara%20fatherless',lah%20yang%20kemudian%20disebut%20fatherless.
Luo, J., Wang, L. G., & Gao, W. B. (2012). The influence of the absence of fathers and the timing of separation on anxiety and self-esteem of adolescents: A cross-sectional survey. Child: Care, Health, and Development, 38(5), 723-731. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01304.x
Maclnnes, D. L. (2006). Self-esteem and self-acceptance: An examination into their relationship and their effect on psychological health. 13, 483-489. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2006.00959.x
Magangi, A. B. (2018). Influence of father absence on self-esteem of secondary school students in Keiyo Sub-County, Kenya. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 4(4).
Majid, I. A., & Abdullah, M. N. A. (2024). Melangkah tanpa penuntun: Mengeksplorasi dampak kehilangan ayah terhadap kesehatan mental dan emosional anak-anak. Innovative: Journal of Social Science Research, 4(2), 7259-7272.
McDougal, S., Durnell, E., & Dlamini, P. Z. (2018). Social father presence: The experience of being raised by black social fathers. Journal of Pan African Studies, 11(7), 1 – 24.
Minev, M., Petrova, B., Mineva, K, Petkova, M., & Strebkova, R. (2018). Self-esteem in adolescents. Trakia Journal of Sciences, 16(2), 114-118. https://doi.org/10.15547/tjs.2018.02.007
Morksnes, U. K., & Reidunsdatter, R. J. (2019). Self-esteem and mental health in adolescents – level and stability during a school year. Norsk Epidemiologi, 28(1-2), 59-67. https://doi.org/10.5324/nje.v28i12.3052
Nguyen, D. T., Wright, E. P., Dedding, C., Pham, T. T., & Bunders, J. (2019). Low self-esteem and its association with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in Vietnamese secondary school students: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00698
Orsavsky, A. L., Berrigan, M. N., Schoppe-Sullivan, S. J., Brown, G. L., & Dush, C. M. K. (2019). Paternal stimulation and father-infant attachment. Attachment & Human Development, 22(1), 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2019.1589057
Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2014). The development of self-esteem. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 381-387. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414547414
Orth, U., Robins, R. W., Widaman, K. F., & Conger, R. D. (2014). Is low self-esteem a risk factor for depression? Findings from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin youth. Developmental Psychology, 50(2), 622-633. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033817
Phasha, K. T., Calvin, M. J., & Mokone, J. M. (2022). Lived experiences of adolescent boys who have absent fathers: A phenomenological approach. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 11(5), 388-393. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v11i5.1854
Pinquart, M. (2013). Self-esteem of children and adolescents with chronic illness: a meta-analysis. Child: Care, Health, and Development, 39(2), 153-161. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2012.01397.x
Partiwi, M. R., Yusriana, A., & Poernomo, M. (2024). Phenomenological study of fatherlessness in the lives of daughters. Journal of Social and Political Studies, 23(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.14710/jis.23.1.2024.%p
Pinto, A., Veríssimo, M., Gatinho, A., Santos, A. J., & Vaughn, B. E. (2015). Direct and indirect relations between parent-child attachments, peer acceptance, and self-esteem for preschool children. Attachment & Human Development, 27(6), 586-598. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2015.1093009
Preska, L., & Wahyuni, Z. I. (2017). Pengaruh dukungan sosial, self-esteem dan self-efficacy terhadap orientasi masa depan pada remaja akhir. TAZKIYA: Journal of Psychology, 5(1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.15408/tazkiya.v22i1.8160
Ramatsetse, T. P., & Ross, E. (2022). Understanding the perceived psychosocial impact of father absence on adult women. South African Journal of Psychology, 53(2), 199-210. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463221130194
Randles, J. (2020). Role modelling responsibility: The essential father discourse in responsible fatherhood programming and policy. Social Problems, 67(1), 96-112. https://doi.org/10.1093/socpro/spy027
Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. United States of America: Princeton University Press.
Rosenberg, M. (1979). Conceiving the Self. New York: Basic Books
Rubin, K. H., Coplan, R. J., & Bowker, J. C. (2009). Social withdrawal in childhood. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 141-171. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163642
Saefudin, W., Lisnawati, & Sriwiyanti. (2021). Father’s role in parenting: A case study from gay student perception. Jurnal Psikologi Integratif, 9(2), 225-251.
Santrock, J. W. (2014). Adolescence (15th Edition). New York: McGraw Hill Education.
Snyder, C. R., Lopez, S. J., Edwards, L. M., & Marques, S. C. (2021). The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology (3rd Edition). New York: Oxford University Press
Sowislo, J. F., & Orth, U. (2013). Does low self-esteem predict depression and anxiety? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychology Bulletin, 139(1), 213-240. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0028931
Steiger, A. E., Allemand, M., Robins, R. W., & Fend, H. A. (2014). Low and decreasing self-esteem during adolescence predict adult depression two decades later. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(2), 325-338. https://doi.org/10,1037/a0035l33
Stets, J. E., & Burke, P. J. (2014). Self-esteem and identities. Sociological Perspectives, 57(4), 409-433. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731121414536141
Sugiyono. (2015). Metode penelitian kuantitatif kualitatif dan R&D.
Sznitman, G. A., Zimmerman, G., & Petegem, S. V. (2019). Further insight into adolescent personal identity statuses: differences based on self-esteem, family climate, and family communication. Journal of Adolescence, 71, 99-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.01.003
Wala, Y. Z., & Aliero, H. S. (2024). An assessment of psychological distress among fatherless students in secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research, 16(1), 33-44. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajhcer.2024.016.010371
Wendi, R. V., & Kusmiati, R. Y. E. (2022). Gambaran harga diri wanita dewasa awal yang mengalami fatherless akibat perceraian orang tua. Jurnal Bimbingan dan Konseling Indonesia, 7(3).
Wibiharto, B. M. Y., Setiadi, R., & Widyaningsih, Y. (2021). Relationship pattern of fatherless impacts to internet addiction, suicidal tendencies, and learning difficulties for students at SMAN ABC Jakarta. Society, 9(1), 264-276. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v9i1.275
Windiarto, T., Yusuf, A. H., Nugroho, S., Latifah, S., Solih, R., & Hermawati, F. (2019). Profil Anak Indonesia 2019. Kementerian Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak (KPPPA).
Wong, T. K., Konishi, C., & Cho, S. B. (2019). Paternal and maternal attachment: A multifaceted perspective on adolescent’s frienship. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(2020), 217-226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01552-z
Wulandari, H., & Shafarani, M. U. D. (2023). Dampak fatherless terhadap perkembangan anak usia dini. CERIA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 12(1), 1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.31000/ceria.v12i1.9019
Yoon, S., Bellamy, J. L., Kim, W., & Yoon, D. (2017). Father involvement and behavior problems among preadolescents at risk of maltreatment. Journal of Family and Child Studies, 27(2018), 494-504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0890-6
Zhou, J., Wei, X., & Xue, L. (2024). Father presence, adolescent girls’ resilience, psychological security, and achievement goal orientation: Examining direct and indirect associations. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1403403
Zhou, Y., Zhong, H., Li, X., Xiang, Y. (2024). The Relationship between Father-Love Absence and Loneliness: Based on the Perspective of the Social Functionalist Theory and the Social Needs Theory. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 26(2), 139 – 148. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2023.046598
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Carlo Amadeo Rossall, Rudangta Arianti
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
All publications by the Utan Kayu Publishing [e-ISSN: 2715-4807, p-ISSN: 2715-4785] is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.