Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Date of Award

January 2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.W.

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Stella M. Resko

Abstract

UNDERSTANDING THE BEHAVIORS AND BELIEFS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN/BLACK FATHERS: A QUALITATIVE EXAMINATION

by

NICHOLAS J. GOMULINSKI

May 2013

Advisor: Dr. Stella M. Resko

Major: Social Work

Degree: Master of Social Work

The positive influence father involvement has on children has been widely examined and embraced. Despite this, examination of men's beliefs on parenting and where they learn their parenting practices has only recently received attention. This study surveyed African-American/Black fathers in five focus groups (N=26) regarding where they felt they learned how to be a father, and what parenting behaviors they use or believe in. The responses from the participants were transcribed coded and analyzed using thematic analysis.The results, organized into themes, indicated that fathers receive parenting information primarily from their fathers and step-fathers. The participants also used a variety of discipline behaviors that depend on situational factors. Further investigation needs to be done with fathers on a larger scale, and with greater variance than the demographics used for this study.

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