The teenager's experience of the transition to fatherhood: a community health perspective

In northern British Columbia, teenage pregnancy rates are high in comparison to other regions in the province. Approximately half of the babies born to teenage women are fathered by teenage men. Despite the attention given to teenage pregnancy by health care providers and policy makers, most of the attention is focused on the mother and her baby. Young fathers' experiences during transition to parenthood have been less well documented than those of mothers. The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative study was to gain insight into the experience of the transition to fatherhood from the perspective of teenage men. The goal of such research was to provide an understanding of those complex issues that are a part of this experience and their impact on the well-being of teenage fathers. In-depth interviews were conducted in a small northern British Columbian community with seven fathers, whose babies were born when they were age 17-19 years. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a process of thematic analysis. The latter revealed that the experience of coping with the impact of challenges of fatherhood can be depicted by the metaphor "catching the curve-ball thrown into life". In general, the fathers reported that they have caught "the ball" pretty well. All have adapted to the father role by discarding past destructive behaviors, and through a new motivation to work hard have begun to provide for their families. In spite of obstacles, most have developed a vision of the future, a definite life-direction and close relationships with their children. In terms of personal development, results indicated that the fathers experienced an increase in self knowledge and respect, and improved skills in coping with anger, loneliness and lack of intimacy. As a result of catching the curve-ball, they discovered new capabilities as fathers and providers. Parents and friends were recognized for the key support that they provided, and their on-going affirmation of these fathers in their new roles as parents was seen as vital to the success of early fathering. It is the willingness of these fathers to be responsible parents and remain involved in their children's lives, often against great odds, that needs to be captured and mobilized by policymakers and health care planners. Support services could be. designed to capitalize on those positive attributes of young fathers, as well as responding to direct needs. In addition, policies and educational resources could incorporate positive images that affirm the importance of teenage men in the lives of their children. In the light of some unique findings of this study that relate to the social context of a remote northern community, it is important to produce programs and policies that reflect cultural and environmental differences.