Impact of training grounded in the roy adaptation model for first-time fathers on fatherhood role

Background and Aim: Parents contribute positively to the development of society through the physical, mental and environmental well-being of children. Expectations from fathers such as co-parenting, being active in the child's life and providing care for his baby, have increased with the change in the perception of gender roles. This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental field study to determine the effect of fatherhood training given to first-time fathers according to Roy Adaptation Model on fatherhood role. Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 95 first-time fathers (41 intervention group, 54 control group) between May 2019 and December 2022. Data were collected using the Father Role Perception Scale, Father Involvement Scale, Pharis Self-Esteem Scale and Father-Infant Attachment Scale before birth, 2 months after birth and 6 months after birth. Data were evaluated by descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, dependent-independent sample t tests, Mann Whitney u test, Wilcoxon rank order test and correlation analysis. Results: The mean scores of the Fatherhood Role Perception Scale, Father Involvement Scale, Pharis Self-Confidence Scale and Father-Infant Attachment Scale in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group (p<0.001; p=0.009; p=0.001; p=0.002, respectively). There was a moderate positive correlation between fathers' perception of paternal role and father involvement, and father-infant attachment was observed to occur early when fathers were involved in infant care (p=0.002, rs=0.437; p=0.034, rs=0.288, respectively). Conclusion: It was determined that the training prepared according to the Roy Adaptation Model and given to first-time fathers had a positive effect on the perception of paternal role, participation in baby care, fathers' self-confidence and their attachment with their infants. It is recommended that training prepared according to the Roy Adaptation Model should be given to fathers in order to increase the perception of the role of prospective fathers after birth, to prevent their self-confidence and to ensure father-infant attachment in the early period.