Grounded Theory: Exploring Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Influencing Black Fathers’ Decisions Not to Marry

This qualitative study explored the sexual attitudes and beliefs of unmarried Black fathers which influenced their decisions not to marry the mothers of their children. Focus groups were conducted to reveal personal narratives about relationships, unplanned pregnancy and marriage. Two theories emerged: sexual attitudes and beliefs associated with the man’s initial attraction to the mother of his child could impact relationship formation and images of the man’s father could prompt his response in sexual situations including decisions not to marry.