Through maternal interviews and observations of structured doll-play, this study assesses the effects of father absence on the dependency, aggression, and masculinity-femininity of preschool negro children. (MH)

Investigates the effects of father absence and perceived maternal behaviors on the moral behavior, judgment, and affect of preadolescent boys. Also tests for differences between sons of divorcees and widows and between boys who were at different ages at the onset of father absence. (CW)

While father absence due to divorce, desertion, or separation had the most negative influence in the initial 2 years of the child's life for boys and girls, father absence due to death was the most detrimental when it occurred in the 6 - 9 period of the boy's life. (Author)

The relation of (1) reason for father's absence (whether by death or by divorce) and (2) age of onset of father absence to teacher ratings and doll play interview scores of masculinity-feminity, aggression and dependency-independence were examined. (MS)

The use of ratings of children by judges is pervasive in the area of father absence research. The interpretation of such ratings, though, is not always straightforward. The possibility that teacher ratings of children may indicate a stereotype on the part of teachers was investigated by showing 30 teachers a videotape that focused on the social…

Two groups of teachers viewed a videotape depicting the social interaction of an eight-year-old boy. One group was told the boy's parents were divorced; the other group that his home was intact. Teachers rated the divorced child more negatively on happiness, emotional adjustment, and coping with stress. (Author/RD)