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Parental Prenatal Expectations and Experiences of Parenthood—A Mixed-Method Study.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Parental Prenatal Expectations and Experiences of Parenthood—A Mixed-Method Study.
Authors: Fridbäck, Louise (AUTHOR), Wikner, Antonia (AUTHOR), Ericson, Jenny (AUTHOR) jeer@du.se
Source: Journal of Perinatal Education. 2024, Vol. 33 Issue 1, p38-46. 9p.
Subject Terms: *Research methodology, *Parenting, *Psychological adaptation, Research evaluation, Parenthood, Expectant parents, Cronbach's alpha, Psychosocial factors, Questionnaires, Descriptive statistics, Research funding, Prenatal care
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore expectant parents' prenatal expectations of parenthood and experiences of parenthood 2 months after birth. Mixed methods were used. Data were collected with two questionnaires. The parents had mostly realistic expectations of parenthood. However, fathers had significantly lower enjoyment expectations than mothers, and first-time fathers had lower total expectations than fathers who already had children. Four main categories emerged in the parents' experiences of parenthood: mixed emotions—a life-changing time, challenges in parenthood, development in the parental role, and bonding and interaction with the child. Accordingly, new parents' experiences of parenthood seem to reflect their realistic expectations of parenting, that is, the parents experienced mixed feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:The aim of this study was to explore expectant parents' prenatal expectations of parenthood and experiences of parenthood 2 months after birth. Mixed methods were used. Data were collected with two questionnaires. The parents had mostly realistic expectations of parenthood. However, fathers had significantly lower enjoyment expectations than mothers, and first-time fathers had lower total expectations than fathers who already had children. Four main categories emerged in the parents' experiences of parenthood: mixed emotions—a life-changing time, challenges in parenthood, development in the parental role, and bonding and interaction with the child. Accordingly, new parents' experiences of parenthood seem to reflect their realistic expectations of parenting, that is, the parents experienced mixed feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10581243
DOI:10.1891/JPE-2023-0002