INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN: FATHER ABSENCE AND FEMALE YOUNG ADULT PROMISCUITY

Abstract

This paper is a literature review on the topic of father absence as it relates to female young adult promiscuity. This literature review combines studies from multiple sources that describe the connection between father absence and female young adult promiscuity. Young female adolescents raised without the presence of a biological father in their household have earlier ages of first sexual activity compared with adolescents who are raised in father-present households. Several theoretical perspectives have supported this correlation by describing the relationship between these two variables using attachment, parental investment, life history, and the essential father theories. Important topics explaining the relationship between father absence and promiscuity include: the effect of father absence on sexual maturation, timing of father absence, the role of genetics, the emotional needs of the adolescent, and the role of personality traits. Limitations of the current research on this topic, such as generalizability, stepfather involvement and limited, high-risk sample size are discussed. Implications for families, practitioners and future research are discussed in order to use this research to educate families and practitioners on the importance of this topic.