Effects of Paternal Absence on Early Childhood Psychological Development: An Integrative Review

Abstract

This study analyzes the impacts of the absence of the father figure on the psychological development of the child in early childhood, considering this phase as fundamental for the formation of affective bonds and the emotional foundation. The research aims to understand how paternal absence influences aspects such as self-esteem, emotional regulation, and socialization. It is a bibliographic study, in which scientific works relatcd to the topic are analyzed, seeking to identify the main findings in the literature. The results indicate that the absence of the father figure may be associated with emotional difficulties, insecurity, low self-esteem, and impairments in socialization, as well as possible impacts on the child's mental health. It is also observcd that paternal presence, when active, positively contributes to emotional, social, and cognitive development, acting as a protective factor. However, it is noted that other affective bonds can mitigate these effects, highlighting the importance of the family context. It is concluded that the absence of a father in early childhood can impact psychological development, but it should be understood broadly, considering social and affective factors, which reinforces the need for family support and strengthening of bonds.