The Effects of Father Figure Involvement on Educational Outcomes in Black Adolescents

Abstract

This study aims to extend the existing literature by examining the influence of father figures on educational success in Black adolescents. It was hypothesized that adolescents who live with a biological or nonbiological father figure, have a positive relationship, and communicate with them regularly will have more favorable educational outcomes in the form of higher grades, fewer school suspensions, and more positive beliefs about postsecondary education. The results of this study only partially support the hypothesis in that adolescents’ perceived closeness to father figures was not significantly related to any of the observed outcome variables. Still, findings did indicate that father figures play an influential role in the educational outcomes of their child. The results of this study provide some support for promoting the increased involvement of fathers and father figures in the educational development of their children regardless of their biological or residential status.