Becoming a Parent: The development of the parental process

Authors

  • Cristina Araújo Martins Universidade do Minho.
  • Wilson Jorge Correia Pinto de Abreu Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.
  • Maria do Céu Aguiar Barbieri de Figueiredo Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21664/2238-8869.2017v6i4.p146-161

Abstract

Among the transitions that family system faces, the transition to parenthood is highlighted as one of the most dramatic and intense. It adds complexity to the family system and requires identity and role reorganization. This study aimed to understand the transition to a parenthood role during the child’s first year of life. The Grounded Theory and semi-structured interviews (a total of 75) were used, complemented by observation, on five data collection moments. The emerging explanatory theory evidences that becoming a father or a mother as a complex identity transforming process, which occurs in continuous interaction with multiple interrelated systems and overheads the temporality of the parental condition. The methodology adopted in the study allowed the understanding of the psychosocial nature of the parenthood phenomenon, bringing knowledge that constitutes a reflexion and awareness point towards change and innovation in the matter of nursing practice with families.

Author Biographies

Cristina Araújo Martins, Universidade do Minho.

Escola superior de Enfermagem da Universidade do Minho.

Wilson Jorge Correia Pinto de Abreu, Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.

Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.

Maria do Céu Aguiar Barbieri de Figueiredo, Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.

Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.

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Published

2017-12-31

How to Cite

MARTINS, Cristina Araújo; ABREU, Wilson Jorge Correia Pinto de; FIGUEIREDO, Maria do Céu Aguiar Barbieri de. Becoming a Parent: The development of the parental process. Fronteiras - Journal of Social, Technological and Environmental Science, [S. l.], v. 6, n. 4, p. 146–161, 2017. DOI: 10.21664/2238-8869.2017v6i4.p146-161. Disponível em: https://periodicos.unievangelica.edu.br/index.php/fronteiras/article/view/2672. Acesso em: 3 jul. 2024.

Issue

Section

Special Edition - Qualitative Research: Permeability between Social and Human Sciences