Factors Affecting Paternal Fetal Attachment

Abstract

AIM: There are very few studies examining how the prenatal attachment of the father to the fetus affects father-infant attachment, while there are numerous studies on maternal-fetal, maternal-infant attachment. The pregnancy period is a potential opportunity to increase the paternal attachment of fathers whose wives are expecting a baby. The aim of this study was to determine paternal-fetal attachment and the factors with an effect. METHODS: The sample group of this descriptive (comparative) study consisted of expectant fathers accompanied by their wives at 24-36 weeks of pregnancy (n = 182). Ethics committee approval and the necessary permissions were obtained from the relevant institution. The data were collected by the researchers using the Question Form and Paternal Fetal Attachment Scale. The data collected were analyzed using percentage distribution, the Independent samples t test and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that the participants who experienced fatherhood for the first time and felt ready to be a father had higher paternal attachment scores than experienced fathers. CONCLUSION: For the establishment of healthy attachment starting in the prenatal period and continuing thereafter, there are important tasks for healthcare professionals to ensure that fathers can cope with the new roles and responsibilities just as well as the mothers.