Exploring the experiences of first-time fatherhood a social constructionist study /

by Marx, Yendra.

Fathers in Western societies have been, and still are described in current literature as, moral overseers, distant breadwinners, or sex-role models, with a few recent references made to the new nurturant father. Previous studies indicate that the experiences of fatherhood are multidimensional and multifaceted. These experiences range from intense elation to extreme unhappiness. Physical symptoms of pregnancy have also been reported. Within a social constructionist framework, this study was designed as a multiple-case study utilizing a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of three white South African first-time fathers. Data were collected through the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation technique and analysed by applying thematic analysis. Credibility and trustworthiness were ensured by way of triangulation. Three major themes emerged from the data: responsibility, feelings, thoughts, and relationships. Ten sub-themes were identified. The three first-time fathers indicated that responsibilities associated with first-time fatherhood concerns aspects such as providing financially, emotionally and educationally. Thoughts and feelings ranged from feelings of happiness and elation, stress and anxiety to confusion and helplessness, as well as a sense of a loss of freedom. Theme three consists of, the family, the marriage relationship and the fatherchild relationship, each respectively influential in the fathers’ experiences. University of Pretoria etd – Marx, Y (2004)