The influence of father absence on emotional adjustment of adolescent among secondary school learners in Makueni Sub- County, Kenya

Abstract

Adolescents living without father figures are likely to encounter some psycho-social challenges. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the influence of father absence on emotional adjustment of adolescent among secondary school learners in Makueni-Sub County, Kenya. The study adopted quantitative descriptive survey design a total sample of 344 respondents, all form three students sampled through non-random. Data was collected through questionnaires. Analysis for quantitative data was done using descriptive statistics involving means and frequencies, and inferential statistics involving chi-square and Pearson correlation. This process was aided by use of a computer program, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28. The study established a correlation between the availability of father or male figure and adolescents’ psychosocial wellbeing. To establish the influence of father absence on emotional adjustment, a regression analysis was conducted, and the findings showed that, and P value was above 0.005 significant level. Therefore, according to the results presented, father-absence did not have significant influence emotional regulation among adolescents. On father absence and social behavior among secondary school learners in Makueni Sub-County, regression analysis findings showed a P value which is less than the 0.005 level of significance. This revealed that the independent variable had an influence on the dependent variable. Thus, father-absence had an influence on social behavior among secondary school learners in Makueni Sub-County, Kenya. The informed conclusions shed light on the complexities of fatherlessness and absent fathers. Multiple stakeholders may benefit from the findings of the study including adolescents, caregivers, psychologists, teachers, policy makers and parents, by knowing the psychological effects of father’s absence on the adolescents’ development hence adapting appropriate strategies to deal with the challenges.