Volume 29, Issue 5-6 pp. 1003-1016

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Assessing the impacts of an interdisciplinary programme supporting father involvement on professionals’ practices with fathers: A qualitative study

Francine de Montigny PhD, RN,

Corresponding Author

Francine de Montigny PhD, RN

Professor, Director

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0003-1676-0189

Nursing Sciences, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

Psychosocial Family Health, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

Correspondence

Francine de Montigny, PhD, RN, Canadian Research Chair in Psychosocial Family Health, Director of the Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Director of the Research Group on Paternity, family and society, Professor in Nursing Science, Université du Québec en Outaouais, C.P. 1250, Succ. Hull, J8X-3X7, Gatineau, QC, Canada.

Email: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author

Christine Gervais PhD, RN,

Christine Gervais PhD, RN

Professor, Junior Research Scholar

orcid.org/0000-0001-5695-9358

Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

FQRS, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérome, QC, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

Danaë Larivière-Bastien MA,

Danaë Larivière-Bastien MA

Research Professional

orcid.org/0000-0002-7216-9281

Psychosocial Family Health, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

Diane Dubeau PhD,

Diane Dubeau PhD

Professor

Psychoeducation and Psychology, Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme, Québec, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

Francine de Montigny PhD, RN,

Corresponding Author

Francine de Montigny PhD, RN

Professor, Director

[email protected]

orcid.org/0000-0003-1676-0189

Nursing Sciences, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

Psychosocial Family Health, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

Correspondence

Email: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author

Christine Gervais PhD, RN,

Christine Gervais PhD, RN

Professor, Junior Research Scholar

orcid.org/0000-0001-5695-9358

Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

FQRS, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérome, QC, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

Danaë Larivière-Bastien MA,

Danaë Larivière-Bastien MA

Research Professional

orcid.org/0000-0002-7216-9281

Psychosocial Family Health, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

Diane Dubeau PhD,

Diane Dubeau PhD

Professor

Psychoeducation and Psychology, Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme, Québec, Canada

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 30 December 2019

https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15176

Citations: 6

Funding information

This work was supported by Fonds de Recherche du Québec - Santé (32742). The funding organisation had no involvement in the data collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, nor in the decision to submit this article for publication.

Share a link

Email
Wechat
Bluesky

Abstract

Aims and objectives

The study aimed to assess the impacts of the Father-Friendly Initiative within Families (FFIF) programme, an interdisciplinary programme supporting father involvement, on health professionals’ practices with fathers.

Background

It is increasingly recognised that father involvement benefits children's cognitive and social development and contributes to both parents’ well-being. Recent research has shown health professionals’ support to be a protective factor in father involvement. Research results were translated into practice through the implementation of a programme, the FFIF, aimed at empowering health professionals to support father involvement.

Design

The study employed a qualitative impact assessment approach based on semi-structured interviews with 36 health professionals to assess the impacts of the FFIF on professionals’ practices with fathers.

Methods

A total of 36 health professionals were interviewed (13 nurses, 10 social workers, six community workers, three educators, two psychoeducators, one health manager, and one special education teacher). Interviews were transcribed, and a qualitative thematic analysis was carried out. This study is presented in line with COREQ’s checklist.

Results

Impacts of the FFIF on health professionals were seen in changes on three fronts: (a1) their beliefs; (b) their conception of their role; and (c) their interventions. These changes related to three themes: (a) difficulties experienced by fathers; (b) importance of father involvement; and (c) differences between fathers and mothers. The professionals, having realised the importance of their own role in improving the services offered to fathers, made concrete changes in their interventions, such as reaching out to fathers more effectively, encouraging their participation and treating them fairly and equitably.

Conclusions

After attending this interdisciplinary programme supporting father involvement, participating professionals adopted father-friendly beliefs, redefined their conception of their role and modified their interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

To provide family-centred care, nurses and other health professionals need to adopt father-inclusive practices.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No conflict of interest to declare.

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Almeida, D. M., Wethington, E., & McDonald, D. A. (2001). Daily variation in paternal engagement and negative mood: Implications for emotionally supportive and conflictual interactions. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(2), 417–429. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00417.x
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00417.x
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Ashbourne, L. M., Daly, K. J., & Brown, J. L. (2011). Responsiveness in father-child relationships: The experience of fathers. Fathering: A Journal of Theory, Research, and Practice about Men as Fathers, 9(1), 69–86. https://doi.org/10.3149/fth.0901.69
10.3149/fth.0901.69
Google Scholar
Backer, T. E., Liberman, R. P., & Kuehnel, T. G. (1986). Dissemination and adoption of innovative psychosocial interventions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54(1), 111–118. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.54.1.111
10.1037/0022-006X.54.1.111
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Bessière, S. (2005). La féminisation des professions de santé en France : données de cadrage. Revue Française Des Affaires Sociales, 1, 19–33. https://doi.org/10.3917/rfas.051.0017
Google Scholar
Brewsaugh, K., Masyn, K. E., & Salloum, A. (2018). Child welfare workers' sexism and beliefs about father involvement. Children and Youth Services Review, 89, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.04.029
10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.04.029
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Bronfenbrenner, U. (2005). The bioecological theory of human development. Handbook of Child Psychology, 3–15.
Google Scholar
Bronte-Tinkew, J., Carrano, J., Horowitz, A., & Kinukawa, A. (2008). Involvement among resident fathers and links to infant cognitive outcomes. Journal of Family Issues, 29(9), 1211–1244. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513x08318145
10.1177/0192513X08318145
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Brown, G. L., Mangelsdorf, S. C., & Neff, C. (2012). Father involvement, paternal sensitivity, and father−child attachment security in the first 3 years. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(3), 421–430. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027836
10.1037/a0027836
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Cabrera, N. J., Shannon, J. D., & Tamis-LeMonda, C. (2007). Fathers' influence on their children's cognitive and emotional development: From toddlers to pre-K. Applied Developmental Science, 11(4), 208–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888690701762100
10.1080/10888690701762100
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Dad Central (2015). Dad Central Ontario/Papa Centrale Ontario. Retrieved from http://dadcentral.ca/
Google Scholar
de Montigny, F., Gervais, C., Meunier, S., & Dubeau, D. (2017). Professionals’ positive perceptions of fathers are associated with more favourable attitudes towards including them in family interventions. Acta Pædiatrica, 106(12), 1945–1951. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.13970
10.1111/apa.13970
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
de Montigny, F., & Lacharité, C. (2012). Perceptions des professionnels de leurs pratiques auprès des parents de jeunes enfants. Enfances, Familles, Générations, 16, 53–73. https://doi.org/10.7202/1012801ar
10.7202/1012801ar
Google Scholar
de Montigny, F., Lacharité, C., & Devault, A. (2012). Transition to fatherhood: Modeling the experience of fathers of breastfed infants. Advances in Nursing Science, 35(3), E11–E22. https://doi.org/10.1097/ANS.0b013e3182626167
10.1097/ANS.0b013e3182626167
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
de Moraes, C. J. A., & Granato, T. M. M. (2016). Becoming a father: An integrative review of the literature on transition to fatherhood. Psicologia Em Estudo, 21(4), 557–567. https://doi.org/10.4025/psicolestud.v21i4.29871
10.4025/psicolestud.v21i4.29871
Google Scholar
deMontigny, F., Devault, A., Lacharité, C., Quéniart, A., Dubeau, D., Miron, J.-M., … Lozier, F. (2009). L’enseignement des enjeux de la paternité dans les universités canadiennes. Reflets: Revue D'intervention Sociale Et Communautaire, 15(1), 102–119. https://doi.org/10.7202/029589ar
10.7202/029589ar
Google Scholar
Dubeau, D., Pilon, F., & Théorêt, J. (2014). Inscrire les pères à l’agenda des politiques publiques. Un levier important pour l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes. Montréal: Regroupement pour la valorisation de la paternité.
Google Scholar
Dubeau, D., Villeneuve, R., & Thibault, S. (2011). Être présent sur la route des pères engagés. Réalisé en partie avec le soutien financier du regroupement pour la santé mentale des hommes en période postnatale. Montréal: Regroupement de la valorisation de la paternité.
Google Scholar
Dunst, C. J., & Trivette, C. M. (1996). Empowerment, effective helpgiving practices and family-centered care. Pediatric Nursing, 22(4), 334–337, 343.
Google Scholar
Eggebeen, D. J., & Knoester, C. (2001). Does fatherhood matter for men? Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(2), 381–393. https://doi.org/10.2307/3654599
10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00381.x
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Fagan, J., & Cabrera, N. (2012). Longitudinal and reciprocal associations between coparenting conflict and father engagement. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(6), 1004–1011. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029998
10.1037/a0029998
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Fagan, J., & Lee, Y. (2010). Perceptions and satisfaction with father involvement and adolescent mothers' postpartum depressive symptoms. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(9), 1109–1121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-009-9444-6
10.1007/s10964-009-9444-6
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Fägerskiöld, A. (2006). Support of fathers of infants by the child health nurse. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 20(1), 79–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2006.00383.x
10.1111/j.1471-6712.2006.00383.x
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Father Involvement Research Alliance (FIRA) (2015). Father Involvement Research Alliance. Retrieved from http://www.fira.ca/
Google Scholar
Father-Friendly Initiative within Families (FFIF) (2015). Father-Friendly Initiative within Families (FFIF). Retrieved from http://iap.uqo.ca/en/FFIF
Google Scholar
Figueroa-Colon, R., Arani, R. B., Goran, M. I., & Weinsier, R. L. (2000). Paternal body fat is a longitudinal predictor of changes in body fat in premenarcheal girls. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 71(3), 829–834. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/71.3.829
10.1093/ajcn/71.3.829
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Galarneau, D. (2003). Les professionnels de la santé. L’emploi et le revenu en perspective. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-001-x/01203/6699-fra.html
Google Scholar
Gervais, C., de Montigny, F., & Garneau, J. (2017). Périnatalité et petite enfance: Des services aux pères. Perspectives Infirmières, 14(2), 52–54.
PubMed Google Scholar
Gervais, C., de Montigny, F., Lacharité, C., & Dubeau, D. (2015). The Father Friendly Initiative within Families: Using a logic model to develop program theory for a father support program. Evaluation and Program Planning, 52, 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.04.006
10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.04.006
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Gervais, C., de Montigny, F., Lacharité, C., & St-Arneault, K. (2016). Where fathers fit in Quebec’s perinatal health care services system and what they need. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 17(2), 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0039558
10.1037/a0039558
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Gervais, C., de Montigny, F., Pierce, T., Lanoue, C., & Dubeau, D. (submitted). Mobilizing communities to support father involvement: Effects of the Father-Friendly Initiative within Families on parents' psychosocial health. Family, System and Health.
Google Scholar
Gouvernement du Québec (2016). Le RQAP a 10 ans! Bulletin statistique. Québec, Canada. Retrieved from http://www.cgap.gouv.qc.ca/publications/pdf/RQAP_bulletin-statistique_201606.pdf
Google Scholar
Gouvernement du Québec (2017). Plan d’action ministériel Santé et bien-être des hommes, 2017–2022. Québec Canada. Retrieved from http://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/fichiers/2017/17-729-01W.pdf
Google Scholar
Halle, C., Dowd, T., Fowler, C., Rissel, K., Hennessy, K., MacNevin, R., & Nelson, M. A. (2008). Supporting fathers in the transition to parenthood. Contemp Nurse, 31(1), 57–70. https://doi.org/10.5172/conu.673.31.1.57
10.5172/conu.673.31.1.57
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Hoffman, J. (2009). FIRA's new fathers study identifies programming gap for new dads. Retrieved from http://fira.ca/article.php?xml:id=136
Google Scholar
Höglund, A. T., & Holmström, I. (2008). 'It's easier to talk to a woman'. Aspects of gender in Swedish telenursing. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(22), 2979–2986. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02345.x
10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02345.x
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Holtslander, L. (2005). Clinical application of the 15-minute family interview: Addressing the needs of postpartum families. Journal of Family Nursing, 11(1), 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074840704273092
10.1177/1074840704273092
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
International Family Nursing Association (2015). IFNA Position Paper on Generalist Competencies for Family Nursing Practice. Retrieved from http://internationalfamilynursing.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GC-CompletePDF-document-in-color-with-photos-English-language.pdf
Google Scholar
Kaila-Behm, A., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2000). Ways of being a father: How first-time fathers and public health nurses perceive men as fathers. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 37(3), 199–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-7489(00)00002-X
10.1016/S0020-7489(00)00002-X
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Karlsson, M., Björck-Åkesson, E., & Granlund, M. (2008). Changing services to children with disabilities and their families through in-service training – is the organisation affected? European Journal of Special Needs Education, 23(3), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856250802130418
10.1080/08856250802130418
Google Scholar
Kelly, M., & Newstead, L. (2004). Family intervention in routine practice: It is possible! Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 11(1), 64–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2004.00689.x
10.1111/j.1365-2850.2004.00689.x
CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Knapp-Philo, J., Hindman, J., Stice, K., & Turbiville, V. (2006). Professional development that changes practice and programs: Six successful strategies. Zero to Three 26, 43–49.
Google Scholar
Kotila, L. E., & Kamp Dush, C. M. (2013). Involvement with children and low-income fathers' psychological well-being. Fathering, 11(3), 306–326. https://doi.org/10.3149/fth.1103.306
10.3149/fth.1103.306
PubMed Google Scholar
Lacharité, C., de Montigny, F., Miron, J.-M., Devault, A., Larouche, H., & Desmet, S.. (2005). Le services offerts aux familles à risque ou en difficulté. Modèles conceptuels, stratégies d'action et réponses aux besoins des parents. Retrieved from https://cerif.uqo.ca/sites/cerif.uqo.ca/files/Lacharite%282005%29.pdf
Google Scholar
Lacharité, C., Fafard, G., & Bourassa, L. (2005). Le programme d'aide personnelle, familiale et communautaire. Nouvelle génération (PAPFC 2). Retrieved from http://admin.santemonteregie.qc.ca/userfiles/file/Agence/PAPFC%202%20de%20Carl%20Lacharite.pdf
Google Scholar
Lamb, M. E. (1987). Introduction: The emergent American father. In M. E. Lamb (Ed.), The father’s role: Cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 3–25). New York, NY: Wiley.
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Laxman, D. J., McBride, B. A., Jeans, L. M., Dyer, W. J., Santos, R. M., Kern, J. L., … Weglarz-Ward, J. M. (2015). Father involvement and maternal depressive symptoms in families of children with disabilities or delays. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 19(5), 1078–1086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-014-1608-7
10.1007/s10995-014-1608-7
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Massoudi, P., Wickberg, B., & Hwang, C. P. (2011). Fathers' involvement in Swedish child health care – The role of nurses' practices and attitudes. Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics, 100(3), 396–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.02047.x
10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.02047.x
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Montigny, F. D., Devault, A., Este, D., Fleurant, A., & Nascimento, L. C. (2011). Nursing students’ perceptions of their experiences with fathers during their family nursing clinical practicum. Texto and Contexto Enfermagem, 4(20), 649–657. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-07072011000400002
10.1590/S0104-07072011000400002
Google Scholar
Paillé, P., & Mucchielli, A. (2016). L'analyse qualitative en sciences humaines et sociales, 4th edn. France: Armand Colin.
10.3917/arco.paill.2016.01
Google Scholar
Park-Taylor, J., Kim, G. S., Budianto, L., Pfeifer, G., Laidlaw, P., Sakurai, M., & Pfeifer, J. (2009). Toward reflective practice: A multicultural competence training model from a community mental health center. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40(1), 88–95. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013828
10.1037/a0013828
Web of Science® Google Scholar
Peden-McAlpine, C., Tomlinson, P. S., Forneris, S. G., Genck, G., & Meiers, S. J. (2005). Evaluation of a reflective practice intervention to enhance family care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49(5), 494–501. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03322.x
10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03322.x
CAS PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Pleck, J. H. (1997). Father involvement: Levels, sources, and consequences. In M. E. Lamb (Ed.), The role of the father in child development, 3rd edn (pp. 66–103). New York, NY: Wiley.
Google Scholar
Premberg, A., Hellström, A. L., & Berg, M. (2008). Experiences of the first year as father. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 22(1), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2007.00584.x
10.1111/j.1471-6712.2007.00584.x
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Ramchandani, P. G., Domoney, J., Sethna, V., Psychogiou, L., Vlachos, H., & Murray, L. (2013). Do early father-infant interactions predict the onset of externalising behaviours in young children? Findings from a longitudinal cohort study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(1), 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02583.x
10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02583.x
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Ramonetti, D. A. (2007). The impact of paternal involvement on maternaI well-being and marital satisfaction. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 68, 2716.
Google Scholar
St-Arneault, K., de Montigny, F., & Villeneuve, R. (2014). Fathers’ integration in Quebec’s perinatal and early childhood public policies. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 105(1), e37–e39. https://doi.org/10.17269/cjph.105.4109
10.17269/cjph.105.4109
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Tomlinson, P. S., Thomlinson, E., Peden-McAlpine, C., & Kirschbaum, M. (2002). Clinical innovation for promoting family care in paediatric intensive care: Demonstration, role modelling and reflective practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 38(2), 161–170. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2002.02160.x
10.1046/j.1365-2648.2002.02160.x
PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar
Wright, L., & Bell, J. (2009). Beliefs and illness. A model for healing.
Google Scholar
Wright, L. M., & Leahey, M. (2013). Nurses and families: A guide to family assessment and intervention, 6th edn. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Google Scholar

Citing Literature

Volume29, Issue5-6

March 2020

Pages 1003-1016

Assessing the impacts of an interdisciplinary programme supporting father involvement on professionals’ practices with fathers: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims and objectives

Background

Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Relevance to clinical practice

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

About Wiley Online Library

Help & Support

Opportunities

Connect with Wiley

Assessing the impacts of an interdisciplinary programme supporting father involvement on professionals’ practices with fathers: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims and objectives

Background

Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Relevance to clinical practice

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information