TY - JOUR TI - Young African American fathers DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T37D2S7T PY - 2014 AB - This exploratory study examined the experiences of young (age 18-27) African American fathers and their transition into fatherhood. A qualitative analysis of ten interviews was completed using a grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). For the past 15 years, academics, such as psychologists, social workers, anthropologists and economists, have paid close attention to fathers and issues related to fatherhood (Nelson, 2004). Such increased attention has resulted in greater government funding, the creation and sustaining of programs to support fathers’ transition to parenthood, and given rise to a national conversation about responsible fatherhood and healthy families. The media commonly engages in portraying African American fathers as “absent,” “non-residential,” “non-custodial,” “unavailable,” “non-married,” “irresponsible,” and “immature.” While this stereotype is not true for all African American families, demographic data reveal that the majority of African American children in contemporary society do not live in the same households as their biological fathers, or reside with them only periodically (Connor, 2004). Although households devoid of biological or legal fathers present are a growing concern across all ethnic groups in America, the situation is particularly alarming in the African American community (Deave & Johnson, 2008). This study explored the experiences and needs of young African American fathers and their transition into fatherhood. Participants related their experiences as fathers, identified who they turn for help, and described the parenting skills, if any, they had learned prior to becoming a parent. In addition, participants identified the topic areas they felt should be included in future fatherhood programs and what they enjoy most about parenting. Results from this study indicated various themes related to African American fathers’ experiences, such as peer and family support, preparation for fatherhood, positive advice for future fathers, unplanned parenthood, fatherhood involvement, and the definition of fatherhood. Implications for future research with regard to fathers, parenting programs, and mental health providers were also discussed. KW - School Psychology KW - African American fathers KW - African American young men--Psychology KW - Responsibility KW - Fatherhood LA - eng ER -