Peer-reviewed article
Exploring the Emotional Experiences of First-Time Fathers During Infancy: A Qualitative Study.
Chatterjee S, Saravanan V, Vaidyanathan S ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study explores the emotional experiences of first-time fathers during their infant's infancy through interviews with 13 fathers. The research identifies five overarching themes including paternal concerns, identity transformation, positive experiences, infant care adjustment, and support systems. The study contributes to understanding paternal mental health and the need for greater support of fathers during early parenting.
Key points
- Study involved 13 first-time fathers recruited via purposive sampling with in-depth semi-structured interviews
- Analysis identified five overarching themes and 20 sub-themes related to paternal emotional experiences
- Findings emphasize that fatherhood involves significant emotional changes, shifting identities, and balancing responsibility with joy
- Supportive relationships play a vital role in shaping fathers' experiences during infancy
- Study highlights need for greater recognition of paternal mental health and support during early parenting stage
Limitations
This study focuses on fathers' emotional experiences rather than child well-being outcomes, and does not evaluate interventions or their effects on children's development, health, or protection. The findings reflect the subjective experiences of 13 fathers and cannot establish causal relationships or measure impacts on infant well-being.
Abstract
Becoming a first-time father is a profound experience that shapes a man's emotional and psychological well-being. While the role of mothers during infancy has been extensively explored, the emotional experiences of first-time fathers remain powerful yet often overlooked, leaving gaps in understanding their challenges, support needs, and mental health implications. The study employed a qualitative, exploratory research design. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 first-time fathers, recruited via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to explore the emotional landscape of first-time fathers during infancy. The analysis yielded 20 sub-themes, organized under five overarching themes. These themes encompassed paternal concerns for maternal well-being, fatherhood-related transformations, positive experiences of fatherhood, adjusting to infant care, and responsibilities and support systems. The findings indicate that the journey of first-time fatherhood is dynamic, characterized by significant emotional changes, shifting identities, and the ongoing balancing act between responsibility and joy, with supportive relationships playing a vital role in shaping their experiences. The study contributes to a broader understanding of fatherhood by providing insights into the emotional terrain first-time fathers navigate, with implications for clinical practice, policy development, and future research in paternal mental health. By giving voice to an often-silenced journey, this study highlights the need for greater recognition and support of fathers during this critical life stage.