THE FINNISH FAMILY COMPETENCE STUDY - THE TRANSITION TO FATHERHOOD

This study was part of the Finnish Family Competence Study, an extensi ve project investigating the work of the Finnish Maternity Health Care and Well Baby Clinic system, and the knowledge and lifestyles of moth ers and fathers expecting their first baby. This study deals with info rmation from questionnaires given to each of the fathers 3 months befo re the baby was born, when the baby was born, and when the baby was 3- years old. Educational level, age, and occupation were used as demogra phic variables. Questions were asked about the father's parents' demog raphic data, including place of residence. Special attention was given to the effects of tradition, as well as relatives and friends, on the transition to fatherhood. Transition to fatherhood is a multidimensio nal process, and the results of studies on it are highly dependent on indicators used. A high level of knowledge and skills does not guarant ee a balanced transition to fatherhood.