A Concept Analysis of the Role of Fatherhood: A Japanese Perspective

Abstract

A concept analysis of the father's role is presented from a Japanese perspective. To conceptualize the term father's role, the process for concept analysis was employed. The analysis resulted in a definition of the term and four defining attributes. Two dimensions of the father's role emerged as being most commonly used or implied: a behavioral dimension and a consequential dimension. Each of these dimensions had another four subcategories in terms of the direction of the consequences: those were to the child, the mother, the family, and the father himself. The findings will assist in instrument development and to a further understanding of the concept that will stimulate nursing theory development and research.