Meanings attributed to fatherhood by adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To understand how adolescents perceive the experience and what meanings they attribute to fatherhood. Methods: Research of a qualitative method, using interviews of 25 young people who had become fathers for the first time. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, taped and transcribed in their entirety. Data analysis occurred using an initial and then an exhaustive reading of the material, synthesis of the results obtained, and identification of implicit content. Results: The analysis and interpretation of this material allowed us to identify three thematic categories: the role of the young father; gains and losses with fatherhood, and solutions adopted during the experienced difficulties. It was evident that the exercise of fatherhood contributed to the assumption of masculinity, to play the role of guardian of the home and provider for the family. Conclusion: Fatherhood was seen as a positive experience that transformed teenagers into adults. ResumoObjetivo: Conhecer como adolescentes percebem a experiência e quais significados atribuem à paternidade. Métodos: Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, através da realização de entrevistas com vinte e cinco jovens que passaram pela paternidade pela primeira vez. Os dados foram coletados por entrevista semiestruturada gravadas e transcritas na íntegra. A análise dos dados foi por leitura flutuante e exaustiva do material, síntese dos achados obtidos e identificação dos conteúdos implícitos. Resultados: A análise e interpretação desse material permitiu identificar três categorias temáticas: O papel do jovem pai; Ganhos e perdas com a paternidade e Soluções adotadas diante das dificuldades vivenciadas. Evidenciou-se que o exercício da paternidade é contribui para a assunção da masculinidade, ao desempenhar o papel de guardião do lar e mantenedor da família. Conclusão: A paternidade é vista como uma experiência positiva que transforma os adolescentes em adultos. Meanings attributed to fatherhood by adolescents and the "snowball" technique, where respondents indicated others in a similar situation.Data were collected by semi-structured interviews that were taped and transcribed in their entirety. Data analysis followed three steps: a) initial and exhaustive reading of the material; b) synthesis of results obtained; and c) identification of implicit content.The development of the study followed the national and international norms of ethics in research involving human beings. ResultsThe age range analyzed varied from 16 to 19 years. The predominant religion was Catholic, with 20 individuals, plus three evangelicals and two declaring no religion. Sixteen individuals were in a consensual union, five were married, and four were single. Five had completed high school, while the others were at lower levels of schooling.After content analysis the following core themes emerged: experiences and feelings about fatherhood, with the following subcategories: role of the young father; gains and losses with fatherhood; and solutions adopted during the di...

Growing into teen fatherhood: a grounded theory study

“…This is also consonant with Sampaio et al. (), who noted that teen fatherhood engendered many positive changes: accepting greater responsibility, working more, avoiding risky behaviour and reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Moreover, all of the expectant fathers in our study expressed the desire to be good fathers.…”

“…This finding is supported by Sampaio et al. (), who reported teen fathers mourned the loss of their adolescence. This finding – shock at the prospect of lost youth – is a finding consistent across academic studies.…”

Meaning of parenting as a teenager

“…This coincides with a study developed in Brazil that shows that paternity for adolescent men was assumed as a positive factor, because it generated a project of life and the interest to get a job and resume its studies; (17) added to that It is essential for adolescent parents to provide financially for their families. (18) Other studies show that adolescent paternity contributed to the consolidation of masculinity in adolescent men by assuming the role of guardian's economic providers of the new family; Therefore, it was a positive experience that allowed them to stop being teenagers and become men; (19)(20)(21) however, in another research, for some adolescent men the experience of adolescent paternity was negative, if That was associated with personal, economic and family problems. (22) The present research found that most of the adolescent parents had not completed their high school studies, were of low socioeconomic strata, received financial aid from the state and some had support from their families.…”

Paternidade Adolescente e os Cuidados ao Bebê com até Um Ano de Idade

“…Esta transição gera muita ansiedade, principalmente devido às mudanças que ocorrem em sua vida, tais como, o ingresso no mercado de trabalho, a assunção de mais responsabilidades e a restrição da vida social. Visto que, a rede de apoio exerce função crucial no acolhimento, no apoio financeiro, emocional e afetivo, como facilitadora do exercício paterno (Carvalho, Merighi, & Jesus, 2009;Jager & Dias, 2012;Levandowski & Piccinini, 2002;Levandowski & Piccinini, 2006;Nogueira, Martins, Schall, & Modena, 2011;Sampaio, Villela, & Oliveira, 2014;Scholl, 2012).…”

“…Diante do aumento em suas responsabilidades, os adolescentes podem descobrir satisfação com a condição parental, demonstrar apego afetivo aos filhos e perceber a paternidade como uma experiência positiva (Carvalho, Merighi, & Jesus, 2009;Sampaio, Villela, & Oliveira, 2014).…”