Effects of paternal absence on male adolescents' peer relations and self-image

This study explores the extent to which adolescent males experience different peer adjustment and masculine self-image as a function of father deprivation. A sample of 40 middle school boys (20 father-present and 20 father-absent) rated each other on peer adjustment and masculine self-image. Results indicate that father-absent boys evidence a poorer sense of masculinity as well as poorer interpersonal relationships than do father-present boys.