Young African American Men's Conception of Fatherhood Among Survivors of Childhood Abuse

Young African American Men’s Conception of Fatherhood Among Survivors of Childhood Abuse by Ohan Patricia Carter MSW, New York University, 1994 BS, Siena College, 1984 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University December 2019 Abstract Male survivors of abuse who become fathers themselves face challenges different from female survivors, such as conceptualizing their roles as providers and heads of households after the traumatic and often belittling experiences of abuse. However, very few researchers have studied the connection between child abuse and fatherhood, and none specific to young African American fathers. An interpretative phenomenological approach enabled exploration of how African American fathers who were abused as children, conceptualized and perceived their own experiences with fatherhood. The theoretical framework for this study was identity theory, which indicates that how people conceptualize a social role influences their actions in that role. Research questions centered on how young African American fathers, who were abused as children, conceptualized fatherhood and carried out their roles as fathers. Data collected from 11 young African American fathers came through in-depth, semistructured interviews. Key findings showed participants conceptualized fatherhood as being present for, providing for, and protecting their children. These fathers worked to break the cycle of abuse they had experienced and to show support for their children. Implications to promote social change include use of study findings to develop parenting programs that address childhood trauma. Other benefits may come from developing groups for father with children in the foster care system, helping these men to understand why they parent the way they do and to break the destructive cycle of parenting they had experienced. Findings may also contribute to the establishment of fatherhood programs that match fathers with supportive role models who help in navigating the father role.Male survivors of abuse who become fathers themselves face challenges different from female survivors, such as conceptualizing their roles as providers and heads of households after the traumatic and often belittling experiences of abuse. However, very few researchers have studied the connection between child abuse and fatherhood, and none specific to young African American fathers. An interpretative phenomenological approach enabled exploration of how African American fathers who were abused as children, conceptualized and perceived their own experiences with fatherhood. The theoretical framework for this study was identity theory, which indicates that how people conceptualize a social role influences their actions in that role. Research questions centered on how young African American fathers, who were abused as children, conceptualized fatherhood and carried out their roles as fathers. Data collected from 11 young African American fathers came through in-depth, semistructured interviews. Key findings showed participants conceptualized fatherhood as being present for, providing for, and protecting their children. These fathers worked to break the cycle of abuse they had experienced and to show support for their children. Implications to promote social change include use of study findings to develop parenting programs that address childhood trauma. Other benefits may come from developing groups for father with children in the foster care system, helping these men to understand why they parent the way they do and to break the destructive cycle of parenting they had experienced. Findings may also contribute to the establishment of fatherhood programs that match fathers with supportive role models who help in navigating the father role. Young African American Men’s Conception of Fatherhood Among Survivors of Childhood Abuse by Ohan Patricia. Carter MSW, New York University, 1994 BS, Siena College, 1984 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University December 2019 Dedication To you, Black fathers: Thank you for being the silent heroes, for not allowing society to blemish your vision of fatherhood. Thank you for caring more about your children than “showing that you’re a good daddy. ” Thank you for showing your children the power of unconditional love. Thank you for making a difference, leading by example and showing that true leaders lead with love. Thank you for breaking the cycle of abuse, leaving a legacy of love for generations to come. Thank you. Acknowledgments To God be the glory. Without His unfailing love and strength, this dissertation would not have been possible. I would like to thank my committee members who were generous with their expertise and time. To Dr. Elizabeth Clark, my committee chair: My heartfelt appreciation and thanks for your countless hours of reflection, reading, phone calls, encouragement, and most of all, your patience throughout the entire process. To Dr. Jill Barton: I express my sincere gratitude for your thoughtful comments and recommendations throughout my dissertation journey. To my URR, Dr. Jonathan Cabiria: Thank you for your insightful comments and guidance in completing my dissertation. To my sons, Denzel and Kevin, two bright stars in my life: You’re the wind beneath my wings. A special gratitude to my mother, the former Beryl Brown, whose loving words and push for persistence ring in my ears. A special thank you to my brother, Chester: You were always there whenever I needed a listening ear, always reassuring me that all will be well and to hold on. My sisters, Carol and Kathy: You have never left my side with words of encouragement and love. To my baby sister, Nicole: Your memory lives on. I miss you; you taught me how to love a little smarter and take nothing for granted. To my nieces, thank you for your unconditional love and faith in me. Finally, to my mentor, pastor, and friend, Dr. Steven David Cassimy: Thank you for your unfailing confidence in me and your constant encouragement.