This study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences of parental identity development, with a specific focus on how the developmental dynamics of emerging adulthood intersect with processes of commitment, exploration and reconsideration of the parental role. Twenty-four South-African emerging adult parents were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed that the intersection of the transitions towards parenthood and adulthood culminates in a nuanced expression of parental roles in relation to the themes of possibility, instability, in-betweenness, self-focus and identity exploration. Heterogeneity was seen in the expression of mixed emotions of hope and excitement about parenthood together with insecurity and struggles in the attempt to balance multiple roles, especially when facing challenges related to the South-African context. Participants prioritised responsibility and commitment to the parental role, facilitated by the support from parents, extended families and cultural norms. This research presents first steps towards a qualitative inquiry into the three-dimensional conceptualisation of parental identity formation.

中文翻译：

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关于成为南非的成年父母：承诺、探索和重新考虑父母身份的过程

本研究旨在探讨对父母身份发展的看法和经验，特别关注新兴成年期的发展动态如何与承诺、探索和重新考虑父母角色的过程相交。采访了 24 名南非新兴成年父母。主题分析表明，向父母身份和成年的过渡的交集最终导致父母角色的微妙表达与可能性、不稳定性、中间性、自我关注和身份探索等主题相关。异质性表现在表达对为人父母的希望和兴奋的混合情绪以及不安全感和试图平衡多重角色的斗争中，尤其是在面临与南非背景相关的挑战时。在父母、大家庭和文化规范的支持下，参与者优先考虑对父母角色的责任和承诺。本研究提出了对父母身份形成的三维概念化进行定性研究的第一步。