Abstract
The increasing prevalence of households headed by single fathers represents a significant demographic shift within contemporary family structures, particularly in socio-economically challenged contexts such as Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite this rising trend, there remains a notable paucity of comprehensive empirical research examining the psychosocial experiences, economic hardships, and coping mechanisms employed by single fathers navigating these complex challenges. This qualitative study aims to fill this gap by exploring the lived experiences of ten single fathers residing in Diepsloot, utilizing purposive and snowball sampling techniques to ensure relevant participant selection. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, allowing for an in-depth understanding of their personal narratives. The findings illuminate the fluidity of paternal roles, which are heavily influenced by evolving relationship dynamics and contextual factors. Financial difficulties emerged as a pervasive barrier, constraining fathers’ capacity to fulfil caregiving responsibilities effectively and often exacerbating their emotional stress. The study highlights various psychosocial challenges faced by these fathers, including heightened levels of anxiety, sleep disturbances, and social isolation, which frequently conflict with societal expectations of masculine resilience and stoicism. Despite these challenges, single fathers demonstrated commendable responsibility and attentiveness toward their children’s well-being. Informal support networks comprising family, friends, and community groups were identified as vital sources of emotional and practical assistance; however, access to formal social support services and government aid remained limited or inaccessible for many participants. The coping strategies adopted by these fathers encompassed a range of adaptive and maladaptive behaviours. Creative expressions such as art and storytelling, spiritual practices, and community engagement served as positive outlets for stress relief. Conversely, some fathers resorted to maladaptive behaviours, including substance use, as a means of managing their emotional and financial burdens. Based on these insights, the study underscores the urgent need for tailored policy interventions aimed at supporting single father households. Recommendations include the development of targeted social support programs that foster community engagement, the enhancement of financial assistance schemes to alleviate economic pressures, and the expansion of accessible mental health services designed to address their specific psychosocial needs.