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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

3 MA in General Psychology, The teacher of Education Organization of East Azarbaijan Province, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Objective: 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).
Conclusion: 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.

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 April 2024

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