Stress and coping in fathers following the birth of a preterm infant

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the stress experience of fathers of preterm infants during the infant's hospitalization. Specifically it aimed to examine fathers' stress, coping styles, and their use of and satisfaction with, sources of social supports.DesignThe descriptive design was based on Lazarus and Folkman's model of stress and coping. Twenty one fathers completed a questionnaire based on standardized measures and a semi-structured interview.ResultsFathers reported moderate levels of stress. Fathers favoured the use of accommodation coping strategies and made efforts to re-frame the situation. Partners were the most frequently identified source of social and emotional support and nurses and doctors were the most frequent providers of informational support. Half the fathers were satisfied with social support but less were satisfied with the informational support they received.ConclusionIt is important to understand fathers' adjustment in this difficult situation in order to develop effective, supportive interventions in hospital and beyond discharge.