The Image of the Father in the Perception of Adolescents from Single-Parent Families

In this article, the author explores theoretical concepts concerning the role of the father’s image in the family, as well as practical research aimed at the formation of this image in adolescents from single-parent families. The author notes that the absence of one of the parents due to divorce is perceived by the child as a loss, even if he or she is unable to express his or her feelings. The specifics of the representation of the father’s image in this context depend on the age-related characteristics characteristic of the adolescent stage of development. This period of life is a crisis and transformational one, affecting the system of relationships of young men and women with the outside world. The article analyzes studies that examined the father’s image in adolescents, influencing their emotional state and the formation of gender identity. The author emphasizes that the tradition-al father’s image in children from single-parent families can influence the perception of a partner in the future. In adulthood, such individuals tend to idealize the image of their partner, and if reality does not meet their ex-pectations, this can lead to conflicts in marriage.