Phenomenology of the girls’ psychological distress caused by the loss of the father: A qualitative study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 department of psychology,azarbijan shahid madani university

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

3 Education Organization of Tabriz

10.22098/jfrs.2024.14373.1170

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to provide a phenomenological analysis of psychological distress caused by the loss of the father in female adolescents in Tabriz, Iran.

Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Seven female adolescents who had lost their fathers in childhood due to illness were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation. The interview texts were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method.

Results: The findings of the study showed that psychological distress experienced by the girls by the absence of their fathers could be described with three main categories and eleven subcategories. The identified categories were emotional pressures (deprivation of companionship, deprivation of a supporter, mother’s pressure, recalling memories, and worries), social pressures (others’ mistakes, hiding, inhibition, and limited relationships), and economic pressures (self-reliance and financial problems).

Conclusions: The dimensions of psychological distress experienced by male and female adolescents due to the absence of their fathers or mothers should be considered in psychological assessments and interventions.

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 August 2024
  • Receive Date: 05 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 April 2024