Özet:

The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of first-time fathers toward the concept of fatherhood. The study was carried out within the scope of phenomenology, one of the qualitative research designs. The participants, who worked as lecturers at a university located in the southwest of Türkiye, had only one child and experienced fatherhood for the first time. The data were obtained through a semi-structured interview protocol, considering the triple interview method. In the first interview, the participants' lives were focused on, and various questions were asked to get to know them better and determine their experiences. In the second interview, questions about the details of the participant's experiences were prepared, and the interview was held. In the third interview, the participants were asked to think about what they wanted to tell from their experiences, and the interview ended accordingly. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method. According to the findings, the reasons for becoming a father are closely related to the meaning of life, daydreaming, innovation, production, and the continuation of marriage. Participants felt a responsibility, happiness, excitement, anxiety, belonging, and surprise when they realized they were going to be fathers and became fathers. In addition, the culture they live in has had an impact on their understanding of paternity. Men explained their fatherhood experiences as participating in the care of the child, helping with housework, and playing games with the child. These results contribute to our understanding of first-time fathers' experiences and their perceptions of their children.