100812: Adult Men's Self-Esteem: The Relationship with the Father

About the Course:

This study examined 80 men to determine if their relationship with their fathers during childhood/ adolescence could predict self-esteem in adulthood. Adult men’s perceptions of their fathers were measured using the Fatherhood Scale (FS).Using logistic regression, the type of relationship with the father, the subject’s education, subject’s father’s education, parental divorce, and whether they lived with their father during childhood/adolescence correctly classified 75% of the men in the predicted self-esteem group. Results indicate significant differences in self-reported measures of fathering between the two groups of men on eight out of the nine FS subscales. The type of relationship these men had with their fathers during childhood was related to self-esteem in adulthood. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Introduction II. Defining Self-Esteem III. The Role of the Father in Self-Esteem IV. Method V. Results VI. Discussion VII. Implications for Practice

Publication Date:

2005/ Vol. 86, No. 4

Authors

Gary L. Dick, PhD; Denise E. Bronson, PhD

About the Authors:

Assistant Professor University of Cincinnati School of Social Work

Associate Professor Ohio State University School of Social Work

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about father relationships with adult men. It is appropriate for participants with all levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe the results of this study and possible implications for practice.

2. Identify two theories of personality development relevant to the understanding of self-esteem and the father-son relationship.