OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/648102026-04-15T15:12:20Z2026-04-15T15:12:20ZThe needs of Maltese first time parents during their transition to parenthood: implications for the development of an educational programmehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/325022020-11-27T14:25:31Z2008-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: The needs of Maltese first time parents during their transition to parenthood: implications for the development of an educational programme
Abstract: The process for identifying potential challenges of first-time parents'
transition to parenthood in programme conception is considered as critical
In an educational encounter. The study used a mixed-method longitudinal
design, to explore the experiences and perceptions of first-time parents
between pregnancy and the first six months postnatal period and to examine if these issues could be addressed in an adult education programme.
Four hundred and forty-two randomly selected panels (221 couples)
Returned the survey's questionnaire booklet during the antenatal period,
232 parents completed the study questionnaire booklet at all the data
collection points (three time-frames). Twenty-six parents (13 couples)
participated in the qualitative perspective of the study. The questionnaire booklets
were analysed using descriptive, profile analysis (MANOVA) and
content analysis. The interviews were analysed using an interpretive
phenomenological analysis (IPA). Ethical considerations were prioritised.
Overall results show Ft statistically significant difference in marital
adjustment across the transition to parenthood for both women and men;
women were statistically significantly more emotionally distressed at six
weeks postnatal; women and men registered a statistically significant
decrease in social support between six weeks and six months postnatal.
With reference to family responsibilities, women assumed more
responsibilities tor household tasks over time. The work-life plan of the
woman makes a difference in first-time parents' psychosocial profiles
during the transition to parenthood. From an IPA perspective five main
analytic themes were identified The transition to parenthood is a new
journey that the parents have to live through to conceptualize their
vulnerability, "their unpreparedness".
The discontinuity in health care support over the transition to parenthood
could be a factor leading to the increase in emotional distress of parents,
which was at its climax at six weeks postnatal. Maltese parents called for
practical knowledge to help them face the transition. The interaction
between the social support system and the professionals' services
available to new parents warrants more attention.
Description: PH.D.2008-01-01T00:00:00Z