Psychosocial Predictors of the Sense of Coherence in Adolescents and Young Adults Raised by Single Fathers

Objective: The aim of the study was to diagnose sense of coherence of youth and young adults raised by single fathers in the context of their personal resources. Background: Sense of coherence is important in the realisation of human developmental tasks, especially in the case of adolescents raised by single fathers because of the specificity of being raised in a single-parent family. Method: The diagnostic survey method was used in the study. The following tools were used: A. Antonovsky’s Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29); W. H. Fitts’s Self-Concept Scale (TSCS); the Needs and Aspirations Test (Stein’s Self-Portrait); and J. S. Norbeck’s Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ). Results: The predictor of sense of coherence with the greatest extent and strength among the surveyed adolescents raised by single fathers was the self-esteem index related to personal self, which had negative predictive contribution in all components of sense of coherence and the global score. The response variable was also significantly inhibited by the groups of support and entertainment needs as well as the ancillary social support index, whereas the self-esteem index related to family self and the groups of affiliative needs were the strongest enhancers. Conclusion: The research confirmed a significant correlation between sense of coherence and self-esteem, support and needs. It revealed that single fatherhood, may generate different attitudes, characteristics and needs in adolescents than if they were raised in a full or single-mother family. Implications: Single fathers should do more to encourage their children to undertake coping measures with a view to their future life.