Abstract
In contrast to the large body of research on maternal perinatal depression, paternal perinatal mental health has received little attention; and longitudinal studies on paternal perinatal depression, following (expectant) fathers over time, are exceedingly rare. This population-based study aimed to (1) estimate prevalence rates of perinatal depression symptoms among German (expectant) fathers, (2) identify differential profiles of perinatal depression in (expectant) fathers, (3) determine modifiable predictors of latent depression profiles, and (4) estimate how membership in subgroups changes during the perinatal period. Data were derived from the longitudinal cohort study DREAM (Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health), including 1,027 (expectant) fathers responding to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during pregnancy and 8 weeks postpartum. Unobserved profiles of paternal perinatal depression and movement between profiles were investigated using latent transition analysis. A number of potential predictors with regard to lifestyle and current life situation were included as covariates. We found that rates of paternal depression symptoms decreased with 9% during pregnancy to 5% at 8 weeks postpartum. Further, four latent depression profiles emerged: most (expectant) fathers did not exhibit any depression symptoms (not depressed), whereas some reported mainly the absence of joy (anhedonic) and some experienced mainly self-blame and worries (anxious-worried). The depressive profile was characterized by endorsement to most symptoms of perinatal depression. Perceived social support and relationship satisfaction appeared to be protective against paternal depression symptoms. Differential transitioning or stability patterns in profile membership during the perinatal period were found, whereas the depressive profile showed to be the least stable. This prospective population-based cohort study is the first study to identify paternal perinatal depression profiles together with their predictors and changes during the perinatal period. Future research is warranted to examine whether the identified paternal depression profiles have differential outcomes, particularly in the context of person-centered prevention and intervention strategies. Further, longitudinal trajectories of paternal depression ought to be studied, taking into account additional measurement points as well as modifiable risk factors.
Highlights
The perinatal period is a time involving much emotional turmoil for parents
The DREAM study consists of currently four measurement points, during which questionnaires covering a comprehensive field of physical and mental health outcomes are completed by participants
By January 2020, n = 1,194 expectant fathers returned the first questionnaire (T1). Those expecting more than one child (n = 21), those who returned the questionnaire after birth (n = 21), and those who had incomplete data on the covariates (n = 125) were excluded
Summary
The perinatal period is a time involving much emotional turmoil for (expectant) parents. Regarding (expectant) mothers, studies suggest that women are at increased risk for mental health concerns during this life period [1] and report that 10–15% of women experience clinically significant depression symptoms during pregnancy or the postpartum period [2, 3]. Perinatal depression symptoms are a major cause for concern as they directly or indirectly increase maternal morbidity and mortality [10]. Clinically significant depression symptoms are projected to be a leading cause of illness and disability in the world by 2030; further, suicide is currently a major cause of maternal death in developed countries [10, 11]. Women who suffer from perinatal depression are less capable of interacting with their infant in an appropriate and warm manner, such as engaging in important developmental activities with the baby (e.g., playing and talking) which may negatively influence the child’s cognitive and socioemotional development [14,15,16] and the infant’s attachment style [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
