Interdisciplinary Social Studies
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Interdisciplinary Social Studies

The Psychological Impact of Fatherless on Women: A Systematic Literature Review

Aurellia Dyahakta Putri (Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)
Iswinarti Iswinarti (Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)
Yuni Nurhamida (Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jun 2026

Abstract

Fatherlessness, defined as the absence of a father due to death, divorce, or psychological non-involvement, has increasing relevance in Indonesia. The study aims to systematically review literature to identify and categorize the psychological impacts of fatherlessness on women, examining differences based on the form of fatherlessness experienced. A systematic literature review was conducted using SCOPUS and Publish or Perish 8.1, following PCC (Population, Concept, Context) scoping questions. Inclusion criteria: qualitative studies (2020–2025) on women, published in English or Indonesian, focusing on psychological impacts of fatherlessness. From 212 journals, 14 met all criteria (see PRISMA chart, page 3). Five major psychological impact categories were identified: (1) interpersonal and sexual relationship problems, (2) low self-concept and identity issues, (3) negative emotions and mental health disorders, (4) social withdrawal and difficulty expressing oneself, and (5) cognitive and performance issues (pages 4–7). Variations in impact were noted depending on fatherlessness type: divorce, death, psychological absence, and domestic violence, with domestic violence yielding the most severe outcomes. Fatherlessness significantly affects women across multiple psychological dimensions. The impact varies by type of fatherlessness, influencing the intensity and complexity of emotional, social, and cognitive challenges.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

iss

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Public Health Social Sciences

Description

nterdisciplinary Social Studies (ISS) is an interdisciplinary publication of social studies and writing which publishes papers to international audiences of social researchers. ISS aims to provide a forum for scholarly understanding of social studies and plays an important role in promoting the ...