Personal features and intra-family relationships of men with different reproductive status

The role of the father in the development of a fully functioning person is not less significant than that of the mother. The father influences the gender identification of children and their interest in learning, contributes to the development of moral norms. Moreover, fatherhood serves as role model behavior for children as potential parents. Despite the high research interest in the concept of fatherhood, there is a number of issues that require additional research. The aim of this paper is to identify the personality traits, parenting competencies, and marital attitudes of future fathers (physiological pregnancy and pregnancy associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART)). Materials and Methods. Two groups of males with different reproductive histories expecting a child were formed for a comprehensive psychological study. The first group (n = 73) consisted of men whose spouses were pregnant after the use of ART. The second group (n = 70) consisted of men whose spouses became pregnant naturally. The study design included a semi-structured interview and a number of methods. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted to process the results. The data obtained were analyzed using the R language in the RStudio Version 1.3.1093 program. Results. Our analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups of men on a number of scales from the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI) and the Role Expectations and Aspirations in Marriage Questionnaire. Less significant differences were found in terms of the results of the Conscious Parenting Questionnaire, the Sex Role Inventory, and interview questions. Conclusion. Despite changing gender stereotypes in our country, the dominant role in having and raising a child is attributed to a woman. The dominant psychological gender in both groups is androgyny. The analysis of interview answers showed the necessity of preventive measures. The analysis of personality traits showed the prevalence of affective reactions in the first group accompanied by depressive mood and introversion.