The effects of father-absence on Norwegian boys and girls.

Abstract

The effects of father-absence on boys and girls was investigated in Norwegian (sailor) families where the father was absent for 1 or 2 years and "compared with otherwise similar (Norwegian) families (of the same area) in which the father was present. The following hypotheses were made and generally supported by the findings: .. .father-absent boys ... would show immaturity.... Being insecure in their identification with the father, father-absent boys would show stronger strivings toward father-identification... [and] compensatory masculinity... would demonstrate poorer peer/adjustment... [and] father-absent girls... would become more dependent on the mother than would father-present girls.".