Expectant fatherhood : an investigation of the couvade syndrome and an exploration of anticipating childbirth for fathers

This study explored three aspects of expectant fatherhood: (1) the couvade syndrome, or male pregnancy symptoms, (2) fathers' views on their participation in childbirth, and (3) a phenomenological analysis of "anticipating childbirth" for the father. Forty-four (44) married men whose wives were in the third trimester of pregnancy were obtained through obstetricians and LaMaze childbirth classes. They were given an MMPI, the Early Memories test, a general background questionnaire and a forty-minute interview which explored their thoughts and feelings on childbirth, their decision to participate, and their health.

Based on a couvade syndrome scale derived from MMPI items, high, medium, and low symptom groups were distinguished. Couvade syndrome incidence was 32.6% of the sample. High symptom group fathers had significantly higher scores on MMPI scales 1 (Hs), 2 (D), and 7 (Pt), and on the Ego Strength scale than other groups. Early Memory data and early father absence did not differ significantly between groups. Sibling patterns and family constellation patterns differed significantly for the three groups, especially for high and low symptom groups. High symptom fathers were usually younger brothers of vi Vll older sisters or older brothers of all brothers. Low symptom fathers usually came from families larger than two siblings and had younger sisters.

A model for the origin of the couvade syndrome was suggested, involving a somewhat infantilizing mother-boy relationship. Its early disruption leaves the boy with a sense of being the "baby" who is excluded from the mother's new focus.

Fathers' views towards their participation in childbirth were explored, yielding a description of four types of fathers, (1) eager, (2) willing, (3) reluctant, and (4) non-attending. Fathers' reasons for attending the birth (e.g., to satisfy curiosity, to help wife) and sources of their hesitations (e.g., being a hindrance, or an intruder) were listed. No relationship was found between the couvade syndrome and a father's attitudes toward his participation at birth.

The phenomenological analysis yielded six major areas of focus and five general themes. The foci were: (1) self as father; (2) physical body, (3) emotions/reactions, (4) wife/fetus, (5) baby, (6) birth event. The themes were: (1) handling/being overwhelmed, (2) reflecting/experiencing, (3) relaxing/attending, (4) waiting/anticipating, (5) missing out/being there.