Diagnosis in Young Children: How a Father's Perceptions of Mental Health Change

(Re)Establishment of fatherhood among fathers of children with mental disorders: A qualitative metasynthesis

This metasynthesis synthesized and interpreted qualitative research results on the experience of fathers who care for children with mental disorders. It followed the guidelines from the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. A search was conducted in five databases. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative research checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the studies, and the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (Grade-CERQual) approach was used to assess review findings. Thematic analysis of 12 articles included yielded the theme (re)establishment of fatherhood and four subthemes: redefinition of expectations, redefinition of the fatherhood role, benefits achieved with increased father involvement, and strengths and challenges in fatherhood, all of which demonstrated how repercussions from diagnosis and redefinition of expectations of masculinity and fatherhood affected the way fathers exercise fatherhood. Fathers were participative and attentive to their child's needs, even in a challenging context demanding integration of care with work obligations. This metasynthesis highlights challenges faced by fathers in acquiring new skills and competencies while caring for their children. The findings identify a need for interventions to facilitate fathers' involvement in caring for their children.

The Influence of Online Experiences: The Shaping of Gay Male Identities

Although research has documented that technological advances via online avenues have impacted the way LGBT individuals gain social capital, less is known about how these online experiences influence the coming out processes for gay men. Using a qualitative approach, this study seeks to understand how the online experiences of gay men either enhanced or inhibited the coming out process. Clustered themes revealed four insights: 1. Online experiences catalyzed the coming out process, 2. Early milestones about the realization of homosexuality came largely from online experiences, 3. Pornography was a tool often utilized for sexual knowledge, and 4. Online experiences helped affirm homosexual identity. Generally, data show that online experiences may manifest offline experiences (i.e., meeting up with another individual, talking about their sexual orientation with others), and that technological communication expedites the coming out process.