The experience of repeated fatherhood during adolescence.
OBJECTIVE
to examine how adolescent fathers experience recurring parenthood.


METHODS
qualitative study with a social phenomenological focus.


METHODS
five fathers between 16 and 19 years of age, each with two children.


RESULTS
the participants perceived themselves as mature, responsible, worried about the care and education of their children, and desiring a secure future life. These factors made them seek employment, their own home, marital stability, construction of a family and return to school. They experienced the ambivalence of desiring one reality and living another, given that, as adolescent parents, they regretted the loss of their freedom.


CONCLUSIONS
recurring parenthood in adolescence is a complex phenomenon, with many possible perceptions. The diverse experiences depend on the social context that is defined by the wishes, plans, possibilities and meanings of each distinct social class.


CONCLUSIONS
care delivery to these adolescents should consider not only theoretical and chronobiological aspects, but also the experiences of these young people and the psychosocial and cultural factors involved in their fatherhood.
Carvalho
G M
GM
São Camilo University, Rua Guiratinga, 931, apto. 113, Saúde, 04141-001 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. enfobstetrica@scamilo.edu.br
Merighi
M A B
MA
Jesus
M C P
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001938:Brazil; D002668:Child Rearing / Q000523:psychology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D011203:Poverty; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult