Becoming a father in a new country and culture: Lived experiences of vietnamese perinatal fathers in Australia

Abstract

This study delved into the lived experiences of first-time Vietnamese fathers residing in Australia during the perinatal stage. Given the distinctions in parenting styles, gender norms, and cultural practices between Australians and Vietnamese, it was expected that challenges would be identified. Semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were used with twelve first-time fathers (average age 34.3 years). All participants and their partners were residents of Australia but had been born and raised in Vietnam. Eleven had babies (M_age = 8 months). One participant's partner was in the 7th month of pregnancy. Three prominent themes surfaced during data analysis: “Development of the Role as a Father – A New Father and Beyond”, “Negotiating the Changes – Evolving without Losing” and “Navigating Common Challenges – Applying the Old Teachings in a New Country”. Despite encountering several challenges in this important transitional stage, these first-time fathers had effectively adjusted and adapted to the new culture, employing diverse coping strategies. The findings also highlight the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in supporting this demographic. Effective support during the perinatal period goes beyond infant care, addressing both the cultural adaptation process and the challenges faced by fathers during this time.