title: Relation of somatic symptoms to degree of paternal-role preparation of first-time expectant fathers.
abstract: This study was conducted to determine the association between the presence of somatic symptoms (couvade syndrome) and the amount of paternal-role preparation attained by 64 expectant fathers. Thirty-five men in the sample identified more than two symptoms; most frequently, restlessness, increased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Men experiencing symptoms scored higher on scales measuring paternal-role preparation than men not experiencing symptoms.
authors.affiliation: St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Longobucco
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Freston
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012380:Role; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires