Personal Twins Daughter's Experience When My Father Left Me To Continue Nursing Study In Another City: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Father absence due to higher education can significantly impact child development, especially in a cultural context that values ​​family values ​​, such as Indonesia. This study explores our personal experiences as twin daughters of a father who studied for his undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in another city, which resulted in his absence for seven years of our growing up.

Method: This study used a qualitative case study approach with an open-ended interview technique. Interviews were conducted between participants with a jointly developed question guide. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and key themes from the published narratives.

Results: Three main themes were found: (1) Emotional turmoil and abandonment, reflecting emotional instability due to the father's absence; (2) Challenges to self-esteem, indicating the need for a father figure in building children's self-confidence; and (3) Coping mechanisms and resilience, in the form of support from the mother, extended family, and positive activities that help foster coping.

Conclusion: The results show that the absence of the verse impacts the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of children, in line with previous literature findings. This study highlights the importance of supportive interventions and the active role of families in mitigating the impact of a father's absence.