DIVORCED FATHERS RAISE THEIR CHILDREN BY THEMSELVES

The present study focuses on the variables affecting the personal well -being of the father-headed family. In order to conduct the research, we developed a methodology that encompassed 103 heads of single-parent families raising their children themselves (62 divorced fathers and 4 1 divorced mothers). The analysis of the data from father- and mother- headed families indicates that there are no differences between the tw o groups with respect to well-being. The relationships between the var iables were formulated into a causal model designed to forecast well-b eing. The research findings show that among all groups, an androgynous concept of the sex role and a problem-oriented coping style (in that order) contribute to personal well-being. In addition, the model indic ates the importance of the economic situation for well-being. Addition al variables that comprise well-being derive from areas connected with the role each type of family head fills in society. Contemporary soci ety views a woman-headed single-parent family as normative; consequent ly, it offers social support similar to that usually offered to women in other crisis situations. On the other hand, male single-parent fami ly heads are still viewed as an anomaly, and therefore do not receive such support. Instead, their well-being derives from other variables: the fewer children they have and the less hostile they feel towards th eir former spouse, the greater their well-being.