Perceptions of Black Heterosexual Men in an Involuntarily Childless Relationship Considering Adoption

Perceptions of Black Heterosexual Men in an Involuntarily Childless Relationship Considering Adopting by Richard P. Campbell MA, Montclair State University, 2011 BS, Washington Adventist University, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human and Social Services Walden University August 2018 Abstract Research on involuntary childlessness and adoption among heterosexuals is primarily focused on women’s needs and perceptions. Consequently, little is known about how men view childlessness and adoption, and less is known about Black men’s perceptions. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore Black heterosexual men’s experiences of considering adoption when involved in an involuntarily childlessResearch on involuntary childlessness and adoption among heterosexuals is primarily focused on women’s needs and perceptions. Consequently, little is known about how men view childlessness and adoption, and less is known about Black men’s perceptions. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore Black heterosexual men’s experiences of considering adoption when involved in an involuntarily childless relationship. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory served as a foundation for this study. Data were derived from semi structured interviews with 7 participants and 3 adoption professionals. Transcribed and coded data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2018, a qualitative data analysis software. Initial codes were drawn deductively, by use of recurrent codes in published literature, and inductively, from an initial reading of the data. Themes were identified among codes, then placed within one of three broad categories: adoption perceptions, childlessness and adoption consideration experiences, and adoption consideration influences. The study results showed that couple difficulty in resolving adoption differences; gender nuances in the adoption decision-making journey; overwhelming social pressure to father children; limited social support; and silence, inaction, or procrastination surrounding adoption were common features of most male experiences. This study has implications for positive social change, as the findings can inform adoption recruiters’ outreach program content and methodology. Family counselors will derive insight into multiple issues surrounding involuntarily childless Black couples to provide them with effective conflict resolution intervention. Perceptions of Black Heterosexual Men in an Involuntarily Childless Relationship Considering Adopting by Richard P. Campbell MA, Montclair State University, 2002 BS, Washington Adventist University, 2011 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human and Social Services Walden University August 2018 Dedication This work is dedicated to my darling wife, Florence, and our two children, Melissa and Kevin. They have been my primary cheerleaders in this research project, even when, regrettably, I often shut them out to ensure I kept in step with my time markers. This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine, for these three loves of my life teach me about unconditional love and genuine family bond. Acknowledgments I am grateful for the selfless coaching and guidance of my dissertation committee chairperson, Dr. Lillian Chenoweth, in getting me through this eventful journey. I am also indebted to Dr. Andrew Garland-Forshee for very tangible and insightful feedback in the concerted effort to see me get over the line. Dr. Andrew Carpenter provided meaningful guidance in elevating the level of my scholarship, and I thank him. I extend this expression of gratitude to Dr. Mary Bold of Walden University and Dr. Marie Volpe of Columbia University for their acute insights as members of my protocol review panel. Dr. Judith Blair, a Columbia University alumna, offered a blend of guidance and validation along the way, and connected me with Dr Volpe. I thank my Walden colleague, Lydia Oriko, for her thorough and insightful peer review. Indeed, the cheerleading of my class cohorts has also been reassuring in my multipronged battle against time, fatigue, restlessness, and procrastination. It does take a village.