A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE MEANING OF "BEING JEALOUS" AS EXPERIENCED IN FATHERS FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF THEIR FIRST CHILD (PARENTING).
Contributors: Adelphi University.
Published: 1990
Number of pages: 284
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, General.; Sociology, Individual and Family Studies.
Description: Jealousy is a concept which has been discussed and empirically studied in the literature yet it lacks clarity in regard to its differentiation from envy, its origin, interpretation, and management. The phenomenon of fathers' jealousy following the birth of a man's child has been suggested to be a postpartum experience but has not been the subject of empirical inquiry.

The phenomenological method of research was implemented to best unfold and illuminate the phenomenon. An interview guide was designed to answer the research question by approaching jealousy following an inquiry into the transition to fatherhood. Fifteen men were interviewed four to ten weeks after the birth of their first child.

The Colaizzi method of data analysis was utilized to analyze and interpret the data. Jealousy and envy were perceived as two distinct concepts. Jealousy was perceived to have a negative connotation and lacked social desirability. The factor which differentiated fathers' jealousy from other jealous situations was the intimacy of the interpersonal relationships of the members of the family triad.

The precipitating factors of fathers' jealousy included: (1) decreased attention from their wives in regard to: (a) the marital relationship, (b) the wives' failure to recognize the fathers' desire to participate in decision-making for the infant; and (2) limited time available for the father to establish a relationship with the infant. Communication of feelings to their wives and greater involvement with their infants and wives reduced jealous feelings. Fathers who did not communicate their feelings to their wives or withdrew from the situation continued to feel jealous.

Fathers' experience of being jealous appeared to be a manifestation of state jealousy which occurred during a major transition-point in the life cycle. The period was characterized by uncertainty, increased responsibility, and a disruption of sleep. Inability to control the time needed to provide infant-care and re-establish the marital dyad was problematic. It was concluded that perhaps fathers may resolve their jealous feelings when they successfully accomplish the developmental tasks of fatherhood. Implications for the Nursing Profession focus on suggestions directed at enhancing the relationships of the members of the family triad.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-06, Section: B, page: 2816.

Thesis (PH.D.)--ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, 1990.

School code: 0001.