Exploring the Impact of Absent Fathers on Children: Lived Experiences of Students in Two Secondary Schools in the Leri be District, Lesotho

Lehlohonolo Kurata, Mampota Selialia, Reitumetse Lipholo and Lineo Mareka
Additional contact information
Lehlohonolo Kurata: National University of Lesotho
Mampota Selialia: National University of Lesotho
Reitumetse Lipholo: National University of Lesotho
Lineo Mareka: National University of Lesotho

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 12, 4530-4547

Abstract: The absence of a father in the family is becoming a serious issue in many countries, often affecting students’ social, emotional, and academic development. This study uses Attachment Theory to explore the experiences of students in two secondary schools in the Leribe district, focusing on how father absence impacts their psychological, emotional, and economic well-being. Using a qualitative approach, the research involved interviews with ten students, gathering their thoughts and experiences about living without a father. The study found that father absence is linked to lower self-esteem. Students reported feelings of abandonment and emotional instability, but many developed coping strategies by seeking support from other sources. Socially, these students are more at risk of engaging in delinquent behaviours, with girls particularly struggling with unhealthy relationships and risky sexual activities. Economically, not having a father increases financial difficulties, leading to poverty and limited access to educational resources. Despite these challenges, many students show resilience by finding support in romantic relationships, hobbies, friendships, and community activities. These findings help us understand the important role fathers play in children’s development and highlight how students can adapt to their situations. They also emphasise the need for targeted support in schools and communities to help students facing the challenges of growing up without a father.

Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ ... sue-12/4530-4547.pdf (application/pdf)
https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/arti ... be-district-lesotho/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:12:p:4530-4547

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science is currently edited by Dr. Nidhi Malhan

More articles in International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science from International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Pawan Verma ().