Father-child relationship-dynamics in adolescent chemical dependency

• Main Author: Nel, Erika
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Father and child; Effect of paternal deprivation on children; Substance abuse
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1267

M.A. === In the social work field of chemical substance abuse the success of rehabilitation of drug-dependent adolescents is greatly influenced by the support and involvement of their families. Experience in this field showed that the mothers of these adolescents are usually involved in the treatment programme, whereas the fathers are emotionally distant. This is often the way in which these families function. The researcher wanted to find out which aspects influence the dynamics of the relationship between an emotionally distant father and his chemically dependent adolescent. Subsequently, the following question was formulated as a research question: “what influences emotional involvement in the relationship between the emotionally absent father and his chemically dependent adolescent that causes it be emotionally distant?” In this study the researcher will aim to determine that aspects which contribute to emotional distance in the relationship between the emotionally absent father and his chemically dependent adolescent. In doing so the researcher will achieve the following objectives: • To improve professional skill and knowledge by providing new information; • To use qualitative data collection method; • To define and study an emotional absent father, a chemically dependent adolescent and the relationship between them; • To collect data about the causes of emotional absence in the relationship between an emotional absent father and a chemically dependent adolescent; • To explain and understand the relationship between an emotionally absent father and his chemically dependent adolescent in the context of the Systems theory; • To compare the findings of the study with relevant literature; • To understand the forces which influence the relationship between an emotional absent father and his chemical dependent adolescent; and • To get permission of the different role-players to conduct the study. The study is of a qualitative nature. Data was collected by using in-depth, guided interviews and field notes. Data was recorded by using audio recordings and transcriptions. The sample was collected using purposeful sampling. It was divided in two parts, namely adolescents and parents. The researcher used the QSR Nudist program to assist with data analysis. After data collection and analysis, a literature control was done as one of the ways of ensuring validity and reliability. The researcher concluded that various aspects contributed to emotional distance and absence on the father’s side. The relationship between father and child had been distant before the adolescent had been drugging, as early as early childhood. The adolescent’s drugging had little to do with the fact that there is emotional distance between father and child. Although both parties hoped for change, neither of them was sure that it could be obtained. Lastly, based on t he results of the study, the researcher made the following recommendations: 1. Further research be done with regards to aspects such as developing a practice model that will address the emotional distance between an emotionally absent father and a chemically dependent adolescent; 2. To incorporate the results of the study in treatment programmes where applicable in both in-patient and out-patient programmes as well as to act preventatively with regard to this particular relationship; and 3. The professional community can be trained in the dynamics of this particular relationship in order to address similar problems in other fields, for instance pastoral counsellors and psychologists. === Dr. W.J.H. Roestenburg