The Ebb and Flow of Filipino First-Time Fatherhood Transition Space

Abstract

Fatherhood, as a developmental process, is both a human experience and a text that needs to be read. For developing nations like the Philippines, little is known about the process undergone by first-time fathers on their transition to fatherhood, and how nurses can play a significant role in assisting them. This grounded theory study purported to conceptualize the multifaceted process of transition from the lens of Filipino first-time fathers' lived experiences. A total of 20 first-time fathers from Metro Manila, Philippines, were purposively selected to take part in an individual, semistructured, and in-depth interview. The Glaserian (classical) method of analysis was specifically used, and field texts were inductively analyzed using a repertory grid. Member checking and correspondence were done to validate the findings of the study. Six surfacing stages emerged relative to the process of transition. Interestingly, The B.R.I.D.G.E. Theory of First-Time Fatherhood Transition Space describes how these fathers progress from the beholding, reorganizing, inhibiting, delivering, grasping, and embracing phases toward successful transition. This emerged theoretical model can be used in framing health care programs where the needs of fathers during this period are met and addressed. Finally, it can also be used in guiding nurses in their provision of a more empathetic care for first-time fathers.

Hazy Transition to Fatherhood: The Experiences of Czech Fathers

“…Furthermore, it is important to consider the role of the timing of the interviews in the interpretation of the findings. Other researchers have shown that most fathers interviewed a short time (a few weeks) following the birth of their first child described this event as being very special regardless of whether they were present at the birth (Miller, 2011; Villamor et al, 2016). Our interviews did not include such descriptions, most probably since we did not ask directly about the men’s experiences concerning childbirth itself and, moreover, because of this event having taken place more than 1½ years previously.…”

“…In contrast to women with children, whose maternal identity is socially recognized by default, men must actively claim the father identity, as described by Miller (2011). There are clearly huge differences in terms of the process of forming the paternal identity according to the cultural context and the relationship between the fatherhood construct and masculinity as viewed in different societies and even subgroups (Hobson, 2002; Iwata, 2014; Madhavan & Roy, 2012; Roy, 2006; Villamor et al, 2016; Wei-Jun, 2013). Such differences can be explained via the prevailing sharp distinction between male and female gender roles and the extent to which they interrelate and/or overlap.…”

“…Studies on the transition to fatherhood to date have most frequently tended to focus on the related psychological and social aspects (e.g., Coltart, & Henwood, 2012). A certain feeling of uneasiness on the part of men concerning this gradual process and the various problems that arise have been described previously (Mellor & Van Vorst, 2015;Villamor, de Guzman, & Matienzo, 2016). Kowlessar, Fox, and Wittkowski (2015) revealed that British men often experience uncertainty, separation, and marginalization during the early stages of fatherhood, that is during their partner's pregnancy and into the first year of parenthood.…”

Transição para a paternidade no período pré-natal: um estudo qualitativo

“…The literature reinforces that the behavioral, emotional, physical and social changes experienced by men in response to their partner's pregnancy signal the understanding of their responsibility and an early commitment to the well-being of their families [38][39][40][41] . The family support network, the partner and friends, as providers of emotional, informative and tangible support 41,42 , therefore become crucial in facilitating this transitional process 43 .…”

Placing myself in a new normalized life: The process of becoming a first‐time father. A grounded theory study

“…This period was also examined in this study, with the difference that the focus was not on pregnancy events but on male stories and what underlies their stories. Villamor et al (2016) showed that the B.R.I.D.G.E., a theoretical approach, also shows the different stages men go through during the transition to fatherhood. Three stages are identified: pregnancy, childbirth, and several weeks postpartum.…”