Abstract
In many African countries, particularly those with largely patriarchal societies like South Africa, promoting father-child interaction can pose a challenge. An informative medium that could potentially encourage active participation in pleasurable interactions between fathers and babies may prove to be an important way in which to stimulate fathers' awareness of their infants' abilities. A Cape Town based theater company created the first ever South African baby play for care-givers and their babies between the ages of 2 weeks to 12 months. The play is performed in a contained, relaxing space and offers carers and babies time to relate to each other in a pleasurable atmosphere, while specially trained actors model sensitive and responsive interactions. Baby Theater could be a way to encourage fathers' involvement with their infants, however, no research is currently available documenting fathers' perceptions about Baby Theater experience.Aim: To explore fathers' experience of participating in Baby Theater.Method: This qualitative study involved six fathers who, with their infants, participated in the Baby Theater production. A week later the fathers were divided into two focus groups to give them the opportunity to discuss their thoughts about the experience and to reflect on whether it had any subsequent impact on their interactions with their babies. The audiotaped, transcribed material was thematically analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach.Results: The fathers described the experience as educative and enjoyable. They reported that the program had a positive impact on the way they interacted with their infants and also positively influenced their relationship with them. Additionally, they reported feeling more confident about coping with their babies on their own, and appreciated the connection with the other fathers in the group. Cultural, societal, and gender issues were also considered.Conclusions: The subjective experience of the fathers was positive. Further research is needed to assess the lasting effects of the Baby Theater experience.
Highlights
The importance of early mother-infant attachment and bonding in the promotion of healthy child development has been well-established [1,2,3,4]
Our aim was to explore the lived experiences of fathers who participated in a Baby Theater project in South Africa
Focus groups were conducted with the six fathers who had participated in the Baby Theater production
Summary
The importance of early mother-infant attachment and bonding in the promotion of healthy child development has been well-established [1,2,3,4]. Relatively few studies have addressed the father-infant relationship despite awareness of the father’s unique contribution to the development of his infant [5]. A positive father-child relationship is associated with better self-regulation and lower levels of childhood aggression in boys and higher self-esteem in girls [7]. Positive father involvement results in children showing better cognitive outcomes in later life [8]. There is strong evidence that a father’s involvement in the early lives of his children positively impacts their physical and social-emotional development [5, 8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
