Neighbor News
The Impact of Losing a Father: Part Three
Dr. Clatch continues his series on the impact of losing a father by focusing on the effects of paternal death on sons.
Concerns about what has been lost as a result of the father’s death may create anxiety for the son as he transitions into adulthood and fatherhood. In short, the loss of a father can have a profound impact on the son: one that spans the entire scope of the child’s lifespan.
For sons with strong relationships with their fathers, death can mean a deep loss that results in the onset of anger and frustration. Sons may become angry because such an important person has been taken from them. They may not understand why someone so special would die and this confusion may culminate in confusion and resentment. The loss may further disenfranchise the son from other family members including siblings and his mother. In circumstances such as these, it is incredibly important for surviving parents to seek out therapeutic support for their sons so they can learn to develop the vocabulary they need to express themselves. Cognitive behavioral therapy could also be helpful, especially in helping the son develop positive behavioral coping mechanisms in managing anxiety, depression, and anger.
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