Development, validation, and confirmatory factor analysis of the Father Hunger Scale.

Abstract

Scholars have emphasized the importance of fathers in child development with regard to academic performance, emotional expression, and psychological adjustment. This study builds on that literature and describes the development of an empirically derived measure of father hunger, the emotional and psychological longing that a person has for a father who has been physically, emotionally, or psychologically distant. Study 1 employed 105 undergraduates who responded to 41 father-hunger items and 4 freeresponse questions. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 1 primary factor with 11 items. Study 2 employed 240 undergraduates whose responses supported the scale's 1-factor structure, convergent validity with other validated scales, and test-retest reliability across 14 days. The Father Hunger Scale holds promise in advancing research on the role of fathers throughout child and adult development, as well as on the causes, correlates, and sequelae of unrequited father hunger.

Responding to the challenge of father absence and fatherlessness in the South African context: A case study involving concerned fathers from the North West Province

“…Research has shown that where the father is absent, it is re ected in both the development of masculinity in boys and femininity in girls (cf. Perrin et al 2009). Many children experience a father hunger, a deep, persistent desire for emotional connection with the father (Perrin et al 2009;Goodsell & Meldrum 2010;Fagan et al 2009).…”

“…Perrin et al 2009). Many children experience a father hunger, a deep, persistent desire for emotional connection with the father (Perrin et al 2009;Goodsell & Meldrum 2010;Fagan et al 2009). Many children are uncertain and confused and deeply feel the need for a father's attachment, presence, and a lifestyle characterized by good values received from their fathers (Freeks & Lotter 2011;Freeks 2011;Freeks 2007;Algera & Sink 2002;Carr 2000).…”

Why the Father Wound Matters: Consequences for Male Mental Health and the Father‐Son Relationship

“…Perrin et al . () offer one of the few empirical investigations of the father hunger construct, which they defined as ‘the emotional and psychological longing that a person has for a father who has been physically, emotionally, or psychologically distant in the person's life’ (p. 315). Their exploratory factor analysis yielded an 11‐item scale with such representative items as: ‘I wasn't sure what my father thought of me’, ‘My father never thought I was good enough’ and ‘My father was not good at showing his affection to me (hugs, kisses)’.…”

“…In assessing some of the potential shortcomings of their scale, Perrin and colleagues () offered these limitations of their measure: That is, more than two thirds of their samples were female, subjects may not have necessarily focused on one's biological father, social desirability concerns may have been present and questions regarding how ‘father hunger differs from constructs such as depression or general negative affect’ (p. 324). All of these factors – particularly the latter – may help illuminate the subtle conceptual difference between the father hunger and father wound concepts.…”

Father Hunger revisited: fathers, global girls, and eating disorders

“…Clinical experience with eating disorders validates this -the hunger is for a positive, affirming, enhancing relationship -not just a presence (Maine, 1991(Maine, , 2004. Over the past two decades, the importance of paternal influences has become sufficiently advanced that a Father Hunger Scale is now available to examine and understand its impact on development and behavior over the lifecycle (Perrin, Baker, Romelus, Jones, & Heesacker, 2009).…”