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...