A Synthesis of Qualitative Research in the Transition to Fatherhood of Becoming a Father: Metasummary of Relevant Japanese Literature

Abstract

Objective: To integrate qualitative studies in Japan and systematically identify common experiences of fatherhood among men regardless of the child’s status.

Method: Literature was selected from the databases of Ichushi-Web and Google Scholar, and a meta-summary was conducted to integrate the results of qualitative studies.

Results: Descriptions extracted from 40 articles were summarized in 66 synthesis results, which were classified into 10 topics. The most frequently occurring synthesis result was “carrying out the role as the mainstay of the family” (42.5%), followed by “reconsidering the value of work and adjusting or changing the working time and content of work to accommodate housework and childcare” (40.0%), and “supporting their wife (mother) and reducing her burden” (37.5%).

Conclusion: In order to support the fatherhood process, it is important to psycho-socially support men under gender role expectations of financially supporting their families, expectations of being a good parent, and in the midst of dramatic changes in relationships and lifestyles caused by the birth or increase of children. In particular, employment support for fathers is an urgent issue.