Father Absenteeism and Emotional Regulation among School-Aged Children in Incheon-Songdo, South Korea
Abstract
The father figure plays an essential role in a child’s emotional and psychological development. Fathers are often key providers of emotional security, role modeling, and discipline, contributing to their child’s ability to regulate emotions effectively. The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of father absenteeism on emotional regulation of school-aged children in Incheon-Songdo, South Korea. Specifically, the study sought to examine the emotional regulation of school-aged children in Incheon-Songdo, South Korea and to establish the prevalence of father absenteeism among school-aged children in Incheon-Songdo, South Korea. The study was guided by Social Learning Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Attachment Theory. This study used a descriptive research design. This study targeted school-aged children aged 13-15. The target population was 56,765 students from 38 schools. The sample size of the study was 379 respondents. In addition, the study also targeted the Mothers and School Counselors. This study used a questionnaire based on the Emotional Regulation Checklist and interview guides to collect data from the students. Data from the Emotional Regulation Checklist was quantitative and was analysed through the use of descriptive statistics. On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed using NVIVO software. The findings were then presented through thematic summaries and narrative descriptions. The results showed that emotional regulation in school-aged children is at an intermediate level, with strengths in emotional awareness and self-expression and weaknesses in continuous emotional control. The absenteeism of fathers is very high and occurs both physically and emotionally. The father's absenteeism has a considerable impact on emotional control in school-age children by reducing emotional support, guidance, and role modeling. It suggests the reinforcement of school counseling services, inclusion of emotional regulation training in school, increased parental involvement, as well as the encouragement of mentorship and peer support programs.
Keywords: Father Absenteeism, Emotional Regulation, School-Aged Children, Incheon-Songdo, South Korea
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