The Mother’s Perspective: Factors Considered When Choosing to Enter a Stay-at-Home Father and Working Mother Relationship

Abstract

A qualitative study was conducted to examine the decision-making factors of entering a stay-at-home father and working mother relationship based on the mother’s perspective. A total of 20 married, heterosexual, working mothers with biological children aged 1 to 4 years were asked questions regarding how they decided to enter a stay-at-home father and working mother relationship as well as contributing factors to this decision. The findings presented in this article were part of a larger study that examined mothers’ overall perspectives of the working mother stay-at-home father dynamics. The themes that emerged regarding how the decision was made to enter this kind of relationship were creating a work–family life balance, utilizing the cost-benefit ratio, and applying personality/trait strengths.

Being a Stay-at-Home Dad (SAHD): Implication for the Mental Health Profession

“…The participants in this study noted that their personality styles, cost of quality childcare, unemployment, and impact of partner’s career were vital aspects in the decision-making process of becoming a SAHD. With the rise in female breadwinners resulting in an increased presence of men in caregiving roles, it is imperative to understand the impact of gender roles and societal expectations on the decision-making process for becoming a SAHD (Rushing & Sparks, 2017). Considering that deeply set gender roles can be established at an early age and heavily influenced by subjective social constructs (Heppner & Heppner, 2009; Renshaw, 2005; Tinsley et al, 2015), members of the helping professions must be aware of how these factors can impact and influence the process for deciding the father’s role in the caregiving process.…”

“…While many of the participants reported a positive process in making the decision to become a SAHD, there are still issues such as isolation and self-doubt that may arise during and after becoming a SAHD. Mental health professionals can enhance their skill sets and intervention measures by becoming more knowledgeable about the practical aspects (e.g., familial, personality, economic; Rushing & Sparks, 2017) on the complex decision-making process for their clients and their families and how those factors potentially influence the father’s health, well-being, and family life (Fischer & Anderson, 2012; Latshaw & Hale, 2016).…”

“…With the rise of female breadwinners, males now have an increased presence in caregiving roles; however, societal norms still have a strong impact on parenting roles and decisions (Rushing & Sparks, 2017). Studies show many SAHDs experienced feelings of loss of the male breadwinning role, which has been traditionally a responsibility designated to men and is still favorably viewed by society (Chesley, 2011; Solomon, 2014; Tinsley et al, 2015).…”

“…Unmet emotional needs for fathers can impact attachment with their children, increase psychopathology, negatively affect the marriage relationship, and result in higher instances of substance abuse (McFarland-Piazza et al, 2012; Price-Robertson et al, 2017). As a result, there is an increased call for a richer understanding of SAHDs’ mental health needs to promote increased wellness for fathers and families (Berger et al, 2012; Englar-Carlson & Kiselica, 2013; Rushing & Sparks, 2017).…”

“…SAHDs experience struggles associated with encountering prejudice and backlash from other adults, being seen as less competent caretakers, lacking social support, and navigating negative stereotypes of the role (Fisher & Anderson, 2012; Heppner & Heppner, 2009; Renshaw, 2005; Rochlen et al, 2010; Sinno & Killen, 2009). Despite this increase in the prevalence of SAHDs and their identified struggles, there remains a lack of research on SAHDs and their mental health needs (Hoewe et al, 2017; Latshaw, 2015; Rushing & Sparks, 2017).…”