Exploring the experiences of academically successful African Americans reared in a home with a non-resident biological father

This qualitative case study described the experiences of 21 academically-successful, young adult African Americans who were reared in a home without their biological father present. The literature shows there are benefits to child outcomes when fathers are involved and disadvantages to the child when fathers are not involved. Some disadvantages include struggles in school academically, being prone to problem behavior, and being likely to live in poverty when their fathers are absent. This study utilized retrospective accounts of African American individuals who grew up with a non-resident father and identified themes related to how the students represented paternal involvement, influence, and impact. Results indicate that the relationship between fathers and children in this study is complicated and constantly evolving. Paternal involvement is represented in a variety of ways and has affected the 21 participants of this study in how they feel about their father, how their development has been impacted, and how they perceive relationships and parenting. In several areas there were distinct differences in perceptions by gender