Moral crime! Being a non-paternity father from DNA paternity tests is equated to life in purgatory in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study explores the psychosocial experiences of men identified as non-paternity fathers through a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) paternity test. A total of 22 non-paternity fathers from a DNA paternity test and two key informants provided the data. The study, guided by a descriptive phenomenological approach to data analysis, revealed five intricate themes associated with experiences of non-paternity fathers from DNA paternity tests: emotional distress and confusion, a sense of betrayal and mistrust, stigma and discrimination, a feeling of identity loss and crisis, and social isolation. Findings demonstrate that DNA paternity tests can have significant and far-reaching psychosocial consequences for non-paternity men. The study concludes by calling for holistic and coordinated aftercare psychosocial support programs and men-centric policies to support the well-being of men.