Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Public Health

Major Professor

Ronée E. Wilson, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Nancy Romero-Daza, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jason Salemi, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jason Beckstead, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Deborah Austin, Ph.D.

Keywords

Add Health, male centered, gendered parental absence, phenomenology

Abstract

This dissertation project explored the impact of childhood maternal absence on the life history outcomes of adult men. An integrated theoretical model of developmental-evolutionary framework was developed to guide research design and conduct. This model combined sex-differentiated life history framework and fathering resource theory. The study consisted of three components: a scoping review of 29 relevant studies conducted in the United States between 1990-2023, a quantitative analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health (Add Health) waves I and IV (n=6932), and a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with a sample of 22 fathers who experienced childhood maternal absence. For analyses, the project employed iterative text analysis for scoping review, generalized linear models for Add Health data, and interpretive phenomenology for in-depth interviews. Overall, the project found that the prevalence of maternal absence is low (2-14%) but can be higher in specific risk groups (up to 32%). Childhood maternal absence has significant but very complex impact on the life history outcomes of men. Maternal absence affected emotional well-being, health behaviors, and social relationships throughout the life course. Adolescent factors such as maternal attachment and self-perception moderated the relationship between maternal absence and adult risk-taking behaviors such as drug use, crime involvement, and risky sex in adulthood. Study also found that availability of other caregivers, particularly the father, was instrumental in ensuring healthy growth process. This meant that in the presence of supportive social network and ample resources that promote positive development, children and their families can adapt and thrive despite the challenges of being raised in mother-absent homes. The project challenges theoretical assumptions on mother as the only primary caregiver and calls for an expansion inclusive of other caregivers especially the father. The study also calls for inclusive policies and programs that serve the unique needs of male children in mother-absent homes.

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