Becoming a Father During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experiences of Men in the Transition to Fatherhood

Abstract

The present study sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of how men navigated the transition to fatherhood during a highly stressful pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Portuguese first-time fathers during 2021. Results from thematic analyses suggested that key moments and experiences were disrupted for these men due to the pandemic, promoting gender role stress in the context of fathering. Positive implications were also mentioned, namely the possibility of greater father involvement in both the prenatal and postnatal periods provided by work-related measures (e.g., telework, furlough). This study reinforces the need for socio-political and hospital policies targeting the promotion of fathers’ inclusion and active involvement during this key life transition.