This paper discusses the use of theoretical premises in the design and implementation of a study of men's perceptions of fatherhood. Forty Australian fathers participated in small discussion groups over a 7-week period regarding contemporary fatherhood. Data were collected using questionnaires, including the Perception of Parental Role Scales, the Social Interest Index and Social Interest Scale, and the Lifestyle Scale. The experience of fatherhood was explicated using constructs from symbolic interactionism and individual psychology. By examining the data from these theoretical perspectives, a synthesis was created between issues which stem from social structures and those which exist at a personal level. Several findings emerged: (1) fathers perceived their highest frequency of involvement to be in meeting children's emotional needs; (2) 70 percent held values congruent with high social interest, cooperation, and altruism and valued fatherhood experiences related to sharing affection and experiences with their children; (3) most fathers experienced the balance of work, family, and leisure as problematic; and (4) lifestyle priorities indicated parenting style and contributed to involvement in the father role. The results indicated that an interdisciplinary synthesis requires clear links between theory, methodology, and data analysis. (Contains 22 references.) (KDFB)