UNMARRIED AFRICAN-AMERICAN FATHERS - A COMPARATIVE LIFE-SPAN ANALYSIS

Guided by a role strain-adaptation model, this national study focuses on provider role issues among unmarried African American fathers, with emphasis on a comparative life span analysis within three age groups: young (18-34), mid-life (35-54), and older (55 and over). Hierarchica l multiple regression on 202 Black unmarried fathers revealed negative links between psychological well-being and objective provider role di fficulties, which were exacerbated by risky role perceptions but mitig ated by adaptive cultural resources. Findings varied by the psychologi cal particular well-being measure and the specific age of the father. Generally, the model explained more variance in perceived life quality and self-esteem than in global personal efficacy. Comparative analysi s found systematic differences in provider role strain-adaptation dyna mics across the distinct periods of the adult life course. The model w as most robust in predicting personal efficacy, self-esteem and percei ved life quality for younger, mid-life, and older fathers, respectivel y. Both provider role strain and cultural resource variables operated in particular ways for fathers in the three distinct age groups. Resul ts not only have theoretical importance for a life span model of role strain-adaptation, but also practical relevance for guiding preventive intervention and public policy.