Psychological Wellbeing of Childless Father
Keywords:
childless fathers, coping strategies, stigma, psychological wellbeingAbstract
This research explores the psychological wellbeing of childless fathers as they navigate the challenges associated with childlessness, including the stigma, shame, pressure, and guilt of not becoming a parent. The focus is on the perceptions, struggles, and coping strategies of these fathers. While existing research has addressed childlessness, it predominantly centres on women, resulting in a significant gap in understanding the experiences of childless fathers. Eight Malay childless fathers were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Data analysis identified three key themes: the meaning of being a childless father and exploring alternative pathways, the challenges they face, and the coping mechanisms they employ. The fathers experienced stigma, discrimination, and both emotional and practical consequences. However, the coping strategies they utilised, framed by Seligman's PERMA+ Model, contributed positively to their wellbeing. This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of childless fathers and highlights various approaches to addressing this issue. Additionally, the implications of the research and future recommendations are discussed.
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