Three Phases of Father Involvement in Pregnancy

A field study focusing on men's experiences of first-time expectant fatherhood, including intensive interviews with 20 expectant coules, short field interviews with 80 additional fathers, participant observation in prenatal classes and clinics, and conternt analysis of popular literature was conducted for the purpose of description and generation of substantive theory. Interview and field data were analyzed using constant comparative analytic techniques for qualitative data. Evidence suggests a characteristic pattern of development of subjective emotional involvement in pregnancy among first-time expectant fathers. This pattern consists of three phases: an announcement phase, a moratorium and a focusing phase. The length of the second phase appears to be related to the man's perception of his own readiness for pregnancy. The father's speed of progression through these phases may affect later adjustment to fatherhood. Further testing and validation of these findings is indicated.