Verschillen en overeenkomsten tussen de percepties en acties van moeders en vaders met betrekking tot het huilgedrag van baby’s: een kwalitatieve analyse van semi-gestructureerde interviews
Abstract
Introduction:
Crying is essential for infants, signaling a need for parental care. Caregivers’ responses can be influenced by their perceptions and behaviors. While both mothers and fathers show similar brain activation when hearing an infant cry, the concept of socially constructed emotions helps explain gender-based differences in emotional responses. Research has largely focused on maternal perspectives, but with increasing paternal involvement in childcare, understanding how mothers and fathers perceive infant crying is critical. These perceptions impact parent-child relationships and mental health, making it essential for early interventions to support parents effectively.
Aim:
This paper aims to explore how parents perceive their infant’s crying and to identify any differences or similarities in perception between mothers and fathers.
Design:
A qualitative study and analysis.
Methods:
This study explores the perceptions of 33 Dutch families (20 couple interviews and 13 with solely mother). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded to capture the subjective experiences of both parents. After transcription and coding, a thematic analysis was conducted.
Results:
The parental responses to newborn crying are influenced by several factors and related to parental self-efficacy and coping strategies. While mothers and fathers show similar responses—such as stress, frustration, and a desire to provide optimal care— gender differences were observed in how they describe these reactions, factors influencing the responses and the use of different coping strategies.
Conclusion:
Mothers and fathers share similarities in perception and reaction on infant crying, but differences were also identified.
Impact:
These findings can help professionals understand perceptions of infant crying of mothers and fathers.
Implication for the profession and/or patient care: Enhanced parental support strategies for infant crying can mitigate stress and improve family well-being and contribute to healthier parent-child relationships.