Exploring the Lived Experience, Meaning and Imperatives of Fatherhood: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

INTRODUCTION: There have been considerable changes in the concept and meaning of fatherhood in the past few decades and a lot of studies has down in this area, but there is no information about fathering and fatherhood from Iranian perspective, thus present study designed to explore the men’s understanding of fathering and paternal role during their first year of transition to parenthood. METHOD: This phenomenological study included accounts of 17 Iranian fathers, who had experienced fathering for the first time. Data was analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. RESULTS: The results reveal that a father is a man who reproduces a child and accepts the responsibility for supporting his family as the fulcrum. A father is a good-tempered, faithful, patient and hardworking man with essential knowledge and proficiency. A father should accept his role as the father. He is also expected to participate actively in dealing with family daily issues, value and promote the health and well-being of his children, and have skills of self-management and self-care. CONCLUSION: Iranian fathers not only committed to play their traditional roles and responsibilities, but also welcome new roles such as constantly being with their children and providing emotional support to them.