Dinamika Parental Burnout Pada Ayah Tunggal

Single fathers face dual demands as both breadwinners and primary caregivers,
which may increase the risk of parental burnout. This study aimed to understand
the dynamics of parental burnout among single fathers. This study employed a
qualitative method with a phenomenological approach and was analyzed using
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The participants consisted of two
single fathers in Palembang City who became single parents following the death of
their spouses and independently raised their children. Data were collected through
in-depth interviews conducted over several meetings. The findings revealed five
major themes: (1) experiencing drastic life changes following the loss of a spouse,
(2) becoming a father amid personal devastation, (3) bearing an unending burden,
(4) keeping their pain to themselves, and (5) perceiving themselves as inadequate
fathers. The loss of a spouse resulted in significant changes in the participants’
lives, increased parenting responsibilities, physical and emotional exhaustion,
concerns about their children’s future, limited emotional support, and feelings of
ineffectiveness and guilt. The findings highlight the importance of social, emotional,
and psychological support for single fathers to help them manage parenting-related
stress, improve their well-being, and enhance the quality of parenting.