FACTORS INFLUENCING PATERNAL ROLE ADAPTATION AMONG FIRST-TIME FATHERS IN WENZHOU, CHINA

Abstract

Transition to be parenthood is a major life event among men. Paternal role adaptation of Chinese fathers is mixed between tradition and modern era. Paternal roles of father marks implications for his health, maternal health, and child’s development. This study aimed to assess paternal role adaptation of first-time fathers and to examine its influencing factors among first-time fathers in Wenzhou, China. 140 participants were purposefully sampled from postpartum follow-up clinic of the second affiliated hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Four self-report questionnaires were used including the demographic record form, Relationship Assessment Scale, the Chinese version of the Parental Stress Scale, and Paternal Role Adaptation Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and standard multiple linear regression were used to analyze data.

The study results revealed that participants had high level of paternal role adaptation. Planning to be a father, the newborn’s gender preference, marital relationship, paternal education, and paternal stress significantly explained 26.4% of the variability of paternal role adaptation. However, only marital relationship (β = .35, p < .001) and paternal stress (β = -.30, p < .001) were able to predict paternal role adaptation significantly.

Therefore, health personnel should help first-time fathers gain knowledge and childcare skills. First-time fathers should be encouraged to have good marital relationship and reduce their own stress, which can help improve paternal role adaptation.

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