A phenomenological-interpretive inquiry about the experiences of fathers who are in a single-parent household

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to raise their children solo, as the prevalence of single-parent households rises overall. In this qualitative study, seven single fathers who are primary caregivers were interviewed regarding their experience of primary caregiving, adjusting, and coping with the transition to primary caregiving, and their needs and concerns for their children's future. This study utilised a phenomenological approach to look at fathers who head single-parent households as the best and most informed individuals to explore and describe their lived experiences of being primary caregivers. The rationale for using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) is that it is concerned with individuals' subjective reports and assumes that participants seek to interpret their experiences in some form that is understandable to them. I utilised seven semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face, and virtual interviews as a method of data collection. I identified four main themes namely: Single Fathers’ Parenting Experiences; Responsibility and Challenges; Fathers’ Perceptions of Single Fatherhood as a Social Phenomenon and Being a Good Father. The participants reported both negative and positive experiences of raising their children. Parenting, as challenging as it is, is not innately predisposed to mothers or women. Men can play the role of provider, nurturer, and caretaker, just as mothers can. This research demonstrates that they are capable of raising their children and meeting their emotional, physical, psychological, and social requirements.