BACKGROUND:
In 2022, Japanese legislation was amended to facilitate greater access to parental leave for men, resulting in a growing number of fathers using it. Although taking paternity leave can be beneficial for men, it may also create emotional challenges for couples.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to identify the emotional challenges and coping strategies experienced by first-time parents during the parental leave, with the goal of developing preparatory programs for couples considering taking such leave.

METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both partners in couples having their first child, in which the father had taken at least four weeks of parental leave. The data were analyzed qualitatively. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the affiliated university.

RESULTS:
The study included 54 participants from 27 couples, with fathers taking an average of 91  (± 73) days of parental leave. Emotional challenges identified included "relationship-based stress" such as an emotional gap regarding their concerns and confusion about a partner’s postpartum depression; "wife-specific stress" such as frustration with a self-centered husband and difficulty managing her own emotions; and "husband-specific stress, " such as a lack of outlets and feeling unrecognized. Coping strategies included "mutual mental support" such as both partners actively listening and showing respect, as well as "appropriate use of online sources," "taking breaks as appropriate," and "drawing on support from experienced individuals or professionals."

CONCLUSIONS:
This study reveals the emotional challenges faced by first-time parents during paternity leave. While the national policy promotes paternity leave, such efforts are of limited value unless these challenges and coping strategies are understood in advance.

KEY MESSAGE:
Fathers taking parental leave are important, but couples should be informed in advance. Poster session 2 (Group A)