Investigating fathers’ experience of the couple relationship when coparenting infants with a reactive temperament

Abstract

This study sought out to explore the lived experiences of fathers who were coparenting an infant described by them as having a reactive temperament, as well as the fathers’ perceived impact on the couple relationship, and the father-infant relationship. Relatively few research studies have examined the direct effects of temperament on the couple relationship (Burney & Leerkes, 2010). Four fathers who described their 7- to 12-month-old infants as having a reactive temperament on the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire – Revised Very Short Form (IBQR VSF) participated in the study through an interview. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used as the methodology to inform the study and the analysis of the in-depth interviews. The main essences brought together in the form of superordinate and subordinate themes, highlighted the experience of fathers; an area which is under-researched. Results showed that fathers experienced the transition to parenthood as stressful, even more so when their infants expressed qualities such as being overly attached, persistent or headstrong and difficult to soothe. The parenting experience described, unfolded into superordinate themes, namely: the process of becoming, the impact of temperament on parental wellbeing, recognition as a father and the impact of circumstantial stress, particularly considering the COVID-19 pandemic. This parenting experience brought with it feelings of loss, a lack of time, exhaustion and a sense of separateness between the couple; aspects of fatherhood which were elaborated on further in the subordinate themes. Such characteristics seemed to have an impact on the fathers’ wellbeing, on the couple relationship and on their experience as parents in general. An important consideration is that the study was conducted during a global pandemic; a period of significant stress which required change and adjustment. Therefore, the context may have impacted the participants’ perceived experiences of their infant’s temperament. Considering that much of the literature has focused primarily on mothers’ experiences, leaving fathers in the shadows, this study helped to give a voice to fathers as well as served as added knowledge for healthcare providers and professionals to become more aware of the need for more father-focused and family-focused services in preparation for the arrival of a baby (Alio et al., 2013, Cowan & Cowan, 2019).