Father Absence: Exploring the Experiences of Young People in Regional Western Australia

Abstract

This article describes the experiences of four young people aged 18 to 25 years whose fathers were absent during their adolescent years. The study, located in regional Western Australia, sought to investigate how young people experience father absence, their needs and preferences in regard to any help seeking, and their evaluation of the effectiveness of supports used. Participants were found to share a combination of risk factors which were linked to negative psychosocial outcomes. Problems identified by young people included no one to talk to about problems and a lack of available services. Participants disclosed involvement in substance use, school misconduct and anti-social behaviour, and all reported early home leaving. Male and female participants reported using similar coping styles and a hierarchy of preference in help-seeking was found with friends and family preferred over counselling. Counselling was considered helpful when offered online or via drop-in services not requiring an appointment. Ethical constraints, however, were found to limit young people's participation in research.