Absent Fathers (Dr. Jody Adewale)

There has been a significant amount of research based on families and their dynamics. Much of today’s research focuses on the effects of parental absence. This study addresses the specific phenomenon of paternal absence in a males life; however, the inquiry is focused on the child’s perception of the absence and the role such understanding plays in their lives. This study will require 9 male participants. The study required examining individual’s ideas and understandings of their father which was done in a qualitative manner. This study addresses an individual’s thoughts and feelings regarding their father rather than quantitatively examining a larger population of fatherless males. This study addresses how such perceptions were developed and how they currently manifest. This study also attempts to focus on individual understandings of their father’s absence. The questions to be addressed are; how does a child’s positive, negative, or neutral perception of an absent father develop, and is such perception relevant to the manner or reason for their father’s absence? The findings included an emphasis on the importance of perception rather than situation. It also suggests clinical implications for individuals who were raised without a father such as; exploring their feelings/perception of their father, working on changing faulty perceptions, and identifying defenses that are used to cope.

Here is a link for the book:

 

About the Author

Dr. Jody Adewale has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. He has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (CSPP) with a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy; and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Southern California. Jody’s work with children includes psychotherapy at residential facilities and within hospital settings; on pediatric and adolescent units. He also has done individual and group psychotherapy for children with learning difficulties, as well as, psychological testing to identify their specific areas of deficit. Furthermore, Jody has worked with inner city children and their families, providing psychological support as well as education in the areas of; drug addiction, behavior/emotional disorders, learning deficits, and utilizing mental health. Jody is dedicated to his work and searches to identify ways that improve the lives which he encounters. As an enthusiastic individual and a former football player at the University of Southern California, Jody offers a unique perspective and genuine warmth to the field of psychology and mental health.