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Experiences, needs, and perceptions of paternal involvement during the first year after their infants' birth: A
1Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
Insights
This meta-synthesis reveals that fatherhood experiences are shaped by cultural contexts and personal perceptions, influencing paternal involvement with infants. Understanding these factors is key for healthcare professionals to support new fathers.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of the Family
- Developmental Psychology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Fatherhood roles have shifted from distant figures to actively involved parents.
- Detailed examination of fathers' lived experiences and needs during early infant care is lacking.
- Understanding evolving fatherhood is crucial for supporting infant and family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing research on fathers' experiences, needs, and perceptions of infant involvement.
- To explore fathers' engagement with their infants during the first 12 months post-birth.
- To identify factors influencing paternal involvement in early childcare.
Main Methods:
- A systematic meta-synthesis of 13 studies from diverse global regions (West, Africa, Asia).
- Studies were identified through a comprehensive search of six major electronic databases.
- Quality appraisal ensured the rigor of included studies, with findings synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso's meta-synthesis methodology.
Main Results:
- Fatherhood experiences varied significantly across different sociocultural contexts.
- Three core themes emerged: the father-infant relationship trajectory, factors supporting or hindering involvement, and the shift from self- to family-orientation.
- Key influences included spousal and family relationships, perceived fathering responsibilities, and parenting satisfaction over time.
Conclusions:
- This is the first meta-synthesis to comprehensively examine fathers' early infant involvement experiences.
- Sociocultural norms and individual perceptions critically shape fathering behaviors and ideology.
- Findings offer valuable insights for healthcare providers to better support fathers and promote their active role in infant care.
Objectives:
Fatherhood has evolved in recent decades from 'a moral teacher' to 'an involved father'. However, fatherhood experiences have not been examined in detail. This meta-synthesis aimed to examine fathers' experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth.
Method:
Six electronic databases were systematically searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, ProQuest (grey literature). The search resulted in 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. All 13 studies met the appraisal criteria and were included in the meta-synthesis. The findings of the 13 studies were synthesized using the steps of Sandelowski and Barroso in conducting meta-synthesis.
Results:
The 13 included studies comprised studies conducted in the West, Africa, and Asia. Fatherhood experiences differed according to different sociocultural contexts. Three themes were identified: (1) trajectory of the father-infant relationship, (2) reinforcements and hindrances to involvement, and (3) change from self-oriented to family-oriented behavior. Changes in a father's relationship with his infant were influenced by relationships with his spouse and family members after the birth of the infant. Reinforcements, hindrances, and needs to fathers' involvement were identified. Fathering responsibility and parenting satisfaction that developed overtime influenced a father's behavior, changing from self-oriented to family-oriented.
Significance:
This is the first meta-synthesis that examined fathers' experiences, needs, and perceptions of their involvement with their infants during the first 12 months of birth. Multiple factors were found to influence the socially-defined fathering ideology. Cultural practices of fatherhood and fathers' own perceptions shaped their actual fathering behaviors. The findings of this study may guide healthcare professionals as frontline personnel to understand fathers' needs and experiences in order to promote fathers' involvement in the early days after their infants' birth.