| Abstract [eng] |
The difficulties and experiences of incomplete families, where single fathers raise their children alone, because of divorce or a loss of a spouse, are sparsely examined both theoretically and empirically. Therefore this study is trying to address problems that these families face, so the help they get could be of higher quality. The goal of this study is to analyze incomplete families', where single fathers raise their children alone, experiences and demands of help. This study analysis circumstances under which incomplete families' form, parents' roles before and after the split of the family, parents' experiences in their own families, single fathers' experiences in raising children alone while maintaining household, and experiences of financial, psychological, social, family and work harmonization difficulties. This study also tries to reveal the level of demands of help for this type of incomplete families. The data of this qualitative study was analyzed using constructivist version of grounded theory and the subjects for this study were sampled combining available elements and "snow ball effect" methods. The sample consisted of ten respondents, who are raising their underage children alone. Data analysis showed, that every families' split was initiated by women (except for deceased mothers), who were themselves raised in dysfunctional families, did not have positive motherhood examples and wished to live "for themselves", so they created new relationships or emigrated. Fathers, who raised children alone, experienced various difficulties, like distrust from the legal system, difficulties harmonizing parental and work responsibilities, shortage of time to fully tend to both household and their child's emotional and behavioral needs and also their own psychological needs. Respondents' experiences revealed all single fathers' high levels of responsibility while taking care of all kinds of problems and difficulties asking for help. The majority of respondents felt the lack of psychological help for themselves and their children both immediately after the divorce and while adjusting to a new lifestyle. Some of the respondents wished for higher quality services for their disabled children, more financial help and complex services for the family, while experiencing crisis. |
