Chin Rachel, Daiches Anna, Hall Pauline
Rehabilitation and High Support Directorate, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Community Pract. 2011 Jul;84(7):19-23.
This study aimed to explore first-time fathers' experiences of becoming a father, focusing on their expectations, experiences, and how they are coping with this transition. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) epistemology and methodology were adopted as the study was focused on understanding the meaning and experiences of this transition for fathers. Nine participants were recruited from seven NCT antenatal classes. The mean age of participants was 38 years (range=30 to 46 years). Participants completed a semi-structured interview between four and eleven weeks post birth. One overarching superordinate theme was derived: 'searching for a place'. This theme consisted of three sub-themes--'the separation connection struggle', 'a sense of utility, agency and control' and 'changing focus of affection'. The findings expand on our understanding of new fathers' experiences, and suggest that first-time fathers experienced an array of psychological responses during each stage of their transition as they searched for their place as father in relation to their partner, child and work. Professionals working in antenatal and postnatal services should discuss with men the possible emotional and psychological changes they may go through to enable more realistic expectations to be considered.
本研究旨在探索初为人父者成为父亲的经历，重点关注他们的期望、经历以及他们如何应对这一转变。由于该研究侧重于理解父亲这一转变的意义和经历，因此采用了解释现象学分析（IPA）的认识论和方法论。从七个国家生育信托基金（NCT）产前课程中招募了九名参与者。参与者的平均年龄为38岁（范围为30至46岁）。参与者在产后四至十一周完成了一次半结构化访谈。得出了一个总体上位主题：“寻找一席之地”。这个主题由三个子主题组成——“分离与联系的挣扎”、“效用感、能动性和掌控感”以及“情感焦点的转变”。这些发现扩展了我们对新父亲经历的理解，并表明初为人父者在转变的每个阶段都经历了一系列心理反应，因为他们在与伴侣、孩子和工作的关系中寻找自己作为父亲的位置。产前和产后服务领域的专业人员应与男性讨论他们可能经历的情感和心理变化，以便能够考虑更现实的期望。
