Overview
Many people seem to be searching for answers to help explain their past, understand their current way of being, and create a happier, more satisfying future. It is the current trend to blame mothers for such emotional problems. Poppa Psychology calls into question this habit of blaming mothers, and focuses, instead, on the father-child relationship. Regardless of whether the father is present or absent, his actions will have a direct influence on the child's development.
Fathers have received a great deal of media attention lately, but the main focus has been on their absence. Poppa Psychology deals with the psychological ramifications of the father-child relationship, regardless of whether the fathers are present or absent. Specifically, it highlights factors that are related to maladjustment in children and provides suggestions for raising psychologically healthy children.
Synopsis
Discusses the connections between mental health problems in fathers and children and provides suggestions for improving family relationships.
Booknews
Phares (psychology, U. of South Florida-Tampa) touches on a broad range of topics related to fathers in present day families. She looks at the history of "mother-blaming," discusses fathers and normal childhood development, and then looks at how problems in children reflect characteristics of their fathers, and how fathers' problems are manifested in their children. The final chapters discuss what to do when there are mental health problems in fathers or children and how to encourage mental health in families of the future. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.