EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PERCEPTIONS OF FATHERHOOD HELD BY JORDANIAN EXPECTANT FATHERS.
Contributors: New York University.
Published: 1988
Number of pages: 142
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Sociology, Individual and Family Studies.
Description: The present study investigated the perceptions of fatherhood held by Jordanian expectant fathers. Three areas were investigated: how the expectant fathers defined fathering; how they prepared for the fathering role; and how they felt about fatherhood. The sample included 60 expectant fathers who had completed at least a high school education, were married, expecting their first child, and whose wives were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Both father and mother were residents of Amman. The expectant fathers answered the questionnaire that was modified from the Obrzut Interview schedule.

Responses to open-ended questions were categorized, and the frequency and percentage of responses were determined. The major fathering roles identified by the expectant fathers were nurturer/caregiver and provider/breadwinner. By choosing the role of nurturer/caregiver, these prospective fathers express a view of sex roles that is different from the traditional ones. Sixty-one percent of the fathers in this study denied that responsibilities of fathers and mothers differed with respect to child rearing. Another departure from the traditional position was reflected in the decision of the expectant fathers to rear their children differently than they had been brought up. The nature of the preparations for fatherhood which they had made, however, represents a more traditional pattern. Preparation was primarily limited to providing a room and furnishings for the baby. Talking to other fathers, observing children, or reading about child rearing were mentioned less frequently. There is evidence that prospective fathers would accept more information if it was offered to them by nurses or in prenatal classes.

This study provides a basis for further research on attitudes of expectant fathers in different socioeconomic classes and in rural and urban areas. Findings support an expanded role of maternal health nurses vis a vis expectant fathers.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-05, Section: B, page: 1620.

Thesis (PH.D.)--NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, 1988.

School code: 0146.