Growing Up with an Absent Parent

A Mixed-Methods Approach on Parental Absence, Well-Being, and Romantic Relationship Processes

Bibliographic Data

ID21638575
AuthorsMichael Langlais (0000-0001-8892-2808, Baylor University, corresponding author), Veronica Chacón (Grand Canyon University), Jordyn H Brazer (Florida State University)
Year2024
Publication date2024-11-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Family Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1066-4807 • E-ISSN: 1552-3950
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10664807241290515
OpenAlexW4404082563
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited25

The goal of this study is to understand the experiences of having an absent parent, meaning a parent who is not physically or psychologically involved in raising a biological child by choice, and test how having an absent parent contributes to mental well-being and romantic relationship quality. Using family systems theory as a foundational framework, this study applied a mixed-methods design, where participants completed an individual interview ( N = 28; 100% had an absent parent) or online survey ( N = 174; 30.4% had an absent parent). Reflexive thematic analyses revealed negative psychological consequences, such as feeling guilty, numb, and depressed, due to having an absent parent. Those with an absent parent reported attachment issues, avoiding relationships in general, and trust issues in their own romantic relationships. Regression analyses revealed that for those with an absent parent, having more abandonment issues predicted poorer mental well-being, even when controlling for family functioning, communication, and rapport with the single parent growing up. Having an absent parent was also associated with increased sexual behaviors. Generally, having an absent parent was associated with interpersonal and relational consequences for emerging adults

Developmental psychology · Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Romance · Well-being · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Family Support in Illness · Psychology · Social Psychology

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