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Cited by 28Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and PostpartumPregnancy-related medical researchMaternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

A qualitative exploration of the Couvade syndrome in expectant fathers

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Brennan, Arthur, Marshall‐Lucette, Sylvie, Ayers, Susan, Ahmed, Hafez·2007·Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
DOI 10.1080/02646830601117142
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Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the nature and duration of male partner's somatic and psychological symptoms, across gestation and parturition, collectively called the Couvade syndrome. Fourteen men with expectant partners aged 19–48 years from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds were interviewed. The data was processed using qualitative analytical software WinMAX Professional and the emerging themes and sub‐categories identified and analysed. The first was ‘Emotional Diversity in Response to Pregnancy’, which varied with time and other factors and also included mixed and polarised feelings such as excitement, pride, elation, worries, fears, shock and reluctance. The second was ‘Nature, Management and Duration of Symptoms’, which revealed the types and duration of physical and psychological symptoms experienced by men. Attempts at managing these were influenced by social and cultural factors. Physical symptoms were more common than psychological ones, and their time course demonstrated trends similar to those reported for the Couvade syndrome. Although the former were reported to their GPs, no definitive diagnosis was made despite medical investigations being performed. The third theme, ‘Explanatory Attempts for Symptoms’ was influenced by cultural beliefs and conventions like religion, alternative medical beliefs or through the enlightenment by healthcare professionals in the process. Some participants were unable to find explanations for symptoms but some…

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Crossref · 10.1080/02646830601117142

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Authors
Brennan, A., Marshall‐Lucette, S., Ayers, S., & Ahmed, H.
Affiliations
  • University of London (GB)
  • Kingston University & St George's Hospital Medical School
  • University of Sussex (GB)
Corresponding author
Brennan, Arthur
ORCID
Ayers, Susan
Venue
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2007-02-01
Volume
25
Issue
1
Pages
18-39
ISSN
  • 0264-6838 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-672X
DOI
10.1080/02646830601117142
OpenAlex
W2121603286
Cited by
28
References
54
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 4 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 1
FWCI
1.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • City Research Online (City University London) (acceptedVersion)
  • Research Repository (Kingston University London) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Pregnancy-related medical research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
Keywords
couvade syndrome, expectant fathers, somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, symptom management, cultural beliefs about illness, paternal involvement in pregnancy

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