Psychological Theories
The causes of couvade syndrome have not yet been determined to a medical certainty, but hypotheses have been advanced.
In the past, many purely psychological causes that were suggested included anxiety, pseudo-sibling rivalry, identification with the fetus, ambivalence about fatherhood, a statement of paternity, or parturition envy.
In "Psycho-Evolutionary" theory, it is thought that couvade is a way to minimize sexual differences in the pregnancy and birthing experience.
The couvade may also be a way to establish the father's role in the child's life and to give balance to the gender roles. Couvade is more common where sex roles are flexible and the female is of a dominant status.
Read more about this topic: Couvade Syndrome
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—Erich Fromm (1900–1980)