Psychological affective variables that influence role transition into parenthood in first-time Mexican-American parents: A descriptive study

Abstract

The problem of this study was to identify and describe the critical affective variables which influence the transition into parenthood of first-time Mexican-American parents. The specific questions addressed were as follows: (1) What affective factors influence the transition into parenthood? (2) What affective factors are related to a positive transition into the parenting role? (3) What affective factors are related to a negative transition into the parenting role?

Role theory and affective theory were selected as theoretical frameworks for this investigation. The investigation utilized the case study method of research. The data were analyzed by content analysis using the "theme" approach. The research population consisted of five Mexican-American couples expecting their first child. They were interviewed before and after delivery using a predelivery and postdelivery interview guide.

Findings indicated that parents who were realistic about their expectations as parents, had good communication between each other, had planned their pregnancies, and whose attitude was that the caretaking tasks were to be shared between husband and wife made a positive transition into parenthood. Affective factors that influenced transition into parenthood included commitment, excitement, preparation, happiness, security, strength, flexibility, loyalty, valuing of the role, feelings of confinement; and resentment, frustration, and impatience.