Relation of somatic symptoms to degree of paternal-role preparation of first-time expectant fathers.

This study was conducted to determine the association between the presence of somatic symptoms (couvade syndrome) and the amount of paternal-role preparation attained by 64 expectant fathers. Thirty-five men in the sample identified more than two symptoms; most frequently, restlessness, increased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Men experiencing symptoms scored higher on scales measuring paternal-role preparation than men not experiencing symptoms.