The changing nature of fatherhood: the nurse and social policy

Abstract

Fathers, fathering and fatherhood are topics which receive little attention throughout the world's professional literature. Only recently has there been increased interest and research on the changing roles of men with particular emphasis on nurturing and parenting. A body of knowledge has started to accumulate which investigates the role of fathers with their families. The purpose of this article is to summarize the research literature about fatherhood in the United States of America today and to discuss the implications of this research for the practice of nursing. This analysis synthesizes the literature using two different perspectives. The developmental perspective traces the role of fathers from family planning through the family life cycle to grandfatherhood. The social contextual perspective summarizes the literature related to fathers for three common variations in society today: single custodial fathers, fathers in dual earner families, and adolescent fathers. Lastly, implications for nursing practice and social policy are discussed.

Relationship with Husband or Partner

“…Until recently, paternal-infant bonding has received little research attention, but available evidence indicates that fathers bond with their infants in a way similar to maternal-infant bonding (Condon, 2006;Hanson & Bozett, 1986). For example, a characteristic increase in attachment occurs with quickening for the woman, and for the father when he observes and palpates fetal movement (Condon, 2006).…”

“…Research indicates that fathers and mothers interact differently with their children, and that infants relate to each parent in different ways (Hanson & Bozett, 1986;Pruett, 1993;(Wilson et al, 2007). Infants seem to relate to their mothers as mainly an attachment figure, a source of security, while the father is seen not only as an attachment figure, but also as a playmate (Hanson & Bozett, 1986;Tomlinson, 1987a, b).…”

“…Infants seem to relate to their mothers as mainly an attachment figure, a source of security, while the father is seen not only as an attachment figure, but also as a playmate (Hanson & Bozett, 1986;Tomlinson, 1987a, b). When mothers are not present, fathers tend to play differently with their children, using fewer toys; men encourage their children's curiosity and persistence in solving problems, and do not become overly concerned with their children's failures (Pruett, 1993).…”

“…Fathers have been viewed primarily as a source of support for the mother, with little research devoted to the impact of fatherhood on the man's own development (Clinton & Kelber, 1993). However, research evidence has begun to accumulate which suggests that the transition to fatherhood is a significant developmental event in men's lives (Clinton, 1987;Condon, 2006;Hanson & Bozett, 1986). Reports are emerging on paternal development of attachment to the fetus, adjusting to becoming a family triad versus a dyad, conceptualization of self as a father and the changes inherent with parenthood, and the type of father to be (Condon, 2006).…”

“…When compared with the substantial body of research examining maternal prenatal and postpartum adaptation, a dearth of research exists concerning paternal transition to parenthood (Bouchard, Boudreau, & Hebert, 2006;Clinton, 1987;Clinton & Kelber, 1993;Hanson & Bozett, 1986;Henderson & Brouse, 1991;Schultz et al, 2006). Fathers have been viewed primarily as a source of support for the mother, with little research devoted to the impact of fatherhood on the man's own development (Clinton & Kelber, 1993).…”