The evolving role of fathers of young deaf children in Turkey

The present study aimed to explore the evolving role of fathers in the lives of young deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children and to construct a theory that explains this role within the Turkish context. The participants were 12 Turkish fathers of young DHH children. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, theoretical data were collected over seven months through semi-structured interviews, supported by supplementary techniques including information forms, observations, documents, an artifact, and a reflective journal. The data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis and constructivist grounded theory coding. The theory identified five interrelated themes: fulfilling fatherhood, experiencing deafness, attending early intervention, adapting to lifestyle changes, and planning for the future. Fathers held certain perceptions of their role and acted accordingly in the lives of their children. Their family lives changed following the diagnosis of deafness; they obtained hearing technologies for their children, attended early intervention sessions, and reorganized their family lives based on new knowledge and skills acquired from these sessions. They supported their children in new lifestyles and made plans for their future well-being. Taken together, these themes demonstrate how fatherhood is constructed and fulfilled within the Turkish context, offering a new perspective in the field of deaf studies.