Transition to Fatherhood Among Muslim Adolescents in Thailand: A Grounded Theory

To explore the process of becoming a first-time father in Thai-Muslim adolescents. The transition to fatherhood among Thai-Muslim adolescents is a critical life event. The process of the transition is often not clearly understood. In-depth interviews with 14 Thai-Muslim adolescent fathers. Data were analyzed using constant comparative method. "Breaking free of worry and embracing fatherhood with joy" is the central, integrating theme. Male adolescents experience the following three phase process to prepare themselves for fatherhood. In phase one, the adolescents are worried about the impact of becoming a father. Their response is a mixed feeling of fright, stress, fear about a burden on their parents, and indignation at being told they are too young to be fathers. In phase two, male adolescents accept the onset of pending fatherhood and try to confront it. The adolescent fathers apply three strategies through the first two phases: facing the reality, accepting the role of an adolescent father, and modifying their behavior. In phase three, the adolescents actively undertake the transition to shoulder the burdens, responsibilities, and joys of fatherhood. The findings provide additional knowledge and contribute significantly to health care professionals promoting continuity care for first-time adolescent fathers.