Father is that one who is always around: meanings of fatherhood experience by adolescents

Abstract

Fatherhood is a relatively unexplored subject in studies about teenage pregnancy. This study aimed to identify bio-psycho-social characteristics of teenagers, fathers, and to describe and analyze the meanings attributed to paternity by them. Qualitative study developed with 26 fathers in adolescence. Firstly, some bio-psycho-social data was collected by a structured questionnaire and secondly, a semi structured interview was applied with eight adolescents which data was analyzed by content analysis. The bio-psycho-social characteristics pointed out similarities and differences with other studies. The experience of being a father, expressed in the categories “Discovery of pregnancy”, “Daily life of adolescent fatherhood” and “Motherhood and fatherhood ideals” is characterized by different factors that prevent the establishment of linear causal relationships. Considering the understandings of sexual and reproductive rights, it points to the need for addressing the processes of constitution of masculinity in the analysis and targeted interventions for fatherhood in adolescence.

Descriptors: Health Promotion; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Men; Paternity.