Effects of Father’s Absence on Child Growth and Development During Early Years

Abstract

Presence of both mother and father are crucial for optimum emotional,
spiritual and physical development of children. The main purpose of this
study was to explore mother perceptions regarding the effects of father’s
absence on child growth and development. The qualitative approach was
used to explore this phenomenon with mothers of 1 to 8 years old
children, where father was absent since last six months. Two focus group
discussions and five In-depth interviews were conducted in three middle
class communities of Karachi, Pakistan. Each FGD involved 10 mothers
who were recruited through purposive sampling and consented to
participate. Findings of the current study have been categorized into four
main themes as father's role in child development, Problems mothers
face while nurturing their children and the support systems of mothers
and family. Study concluded that physical absent of father contributed in
negative outcome on child emotional, social, psychological and physical
development. Mother experienced stress and depression while handling
many responsibilities on everyday lives. Girl child and boy child both
suffers equally and need their father presence in social and academic
activities and daily life. While making programs for holistic child
development policy maker should consider this issue.