College
College of Health Professions
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-04 07:28:12
Major
Social Work
Honors Course
7750 499-001/7750 499-002
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2021
Abstract
Households led by single, custodial fathers (SCFs) are increasing in the United States, so the need for further research into this population is critical. To best serve this population, it is important for social work professionals to understand the challenges facing these families, their unique experiences, and the best practices. For this purpose, 33 academic journal articles about SCFs were reviewed and the following seven areas were discussed: (1) fatherhood experiences, (2) overall challenges for SCFs, (3) overall perception of SCFs, (4) economic impact, (5) deviance of youth, (6) academic achievement of the children of SCFs, and (7) applicable interventions. This population was examined through the lens of the social work profession and comparisons were drawn between this family configuration and other family dynamics, specifically single, custodial mothers (SCMs). Findings showed that SCFs experience bias from the public and social work profession and legal, economic, and parenting challenges. More research is needed particularly in specific interventions for SCFs. Suggestions for social work practice include looking past gender biases and stereotypes, recognizing the cultural diversity in this population, and improving educational opportunities and self-efficacy.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Jina Sang
First Reader
Rebecca Cool
Second Reader
Dr. Baomei Zhao
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Jina Sang
Recommended Citation
Janikowski, Emily N., "Experiences and Challenges in Single Fatherhood: A Literature Review on Single, Custodial Fathers" (2021). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1264.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1264
Honors Proposal Cover Sheet
Signature Sheet.pdf (466 kB)