Psychological Distress in First-time Expectant Fathers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Transition to parenthood is a pleasant life event in overall, it can also be a source of despair and worry. When a man becomes a father, his risk of mental health problems rises, just as it does for mothers, but there is little literature on the field of study. Expectant fathers face personal, interpersonal, and social changes as they prepare to become parent, all of which have a significant impact on the infant-parent interaction, and the infant’s maturation. Aim: The present study was conducted to see the psychological distress in first time expectant fathers during the prenatal period. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design using semi structured interviews. The sample size selected for the current study was 14 men using purposive sampling method. The data was analysed using thematic analysis for the participants. Results: 3 themes and 6 subthemes were emerged for expectant fathers. Anxiety, stress, irritability and lack of awareness were identified as common psychological discomfort in the participants, according to the findings of the study. Conclusion: Fathers who were expecting their first child went through a mix of emotions, which made them susceptible to psychological issues.