First-time Fathers Research Articles

Physical and mental health changes in the five years before and five years after childbirth: A population-based panel study in first-time mothers and fathers from Germany

BackgroundThe transition to parenthood is characterized by far-reaching changes in life. However, little prospective-longitudinal evidence from general population samples exists on changes of general physical and mental health in the years around the birth of a child among mothers and fathers. MethodsUsing data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP), this study examined continuous and discontinuous short- and long-term changes of general physical and mental health from five years before until five years after the birth of the first child in women (N = 1,912) and men (N = 1,742). Whether a child was born was assessed annually throughout the study. Physical and mental health was assessed biannually from 2002 to 2018 with the SF-12v2. ResultsMultilevel analyses revealed that women experienced a considerable decrease of physical health during pregnancy, which remitted after delivery. On average, women's mental health increased in the last year before and first year after delivery. These mental health improvements were stronger in older vs. younger mothers and remained largely stable in the years after childbirth. In contrast, little evidence for changes of general physical or mental health in (expectant) fathers was found. LimitationsPhysical and mental health was assessed with a short questionnaire only (SF-12v2). ConclusionsOn average, women's mental health tends to improve before and after the birth of the first child. Men seem to be much less affected by the birth of a child than many previous studies suggest.

Predicting Canadian first-time fathers’ early childcare involvement behaviors using an extended theory of planned behavior.

Predicting Canadian first-time fathers’ early childcare involvement behaviors using an extended theory of planned behavior.

Recruiting Men for a Study Exploring First-Time Father’s Involvement in Pregnancy and Childbirth: Reflections From Fieldwork Conducted in Nigeria

While participant recruitment and qualitative interviewing are very crucial in data collection, researchers must be mindful of cultural contexts to ensure quality outcomes. This article explores the methodological and personal challenges encountered while recruiting and interviewing men in a research study. It addresses the influence of ‘who you know’ and researcher’s flexibility in negotiating one’s way while conducting fieldwork in African contexts. I describe the initial plan to recruit men only from health settings and why that failed. Then I outline other options explored and describe my encounters entering male-dominated workspaces. Additionally, I describe the recruitment strategy in the rural communities that resulted in my locating more engaged participants and having more extended interviews. Finally, I draw on my experiences to share some lessons learnt in the process and coping strategies that may be interesting for social researchers in similar dilemmas.

Placing myself in a new normalized life: The process of becoming a first-time father. A grounded theory study.

Becoming a first-time father is an important transition period in men's lives that is frequently accompanied by joy and happiness. Engaging fathers has a broader impact on family and community and on fathers' own well-being. This study explores the process of men becoming first-time fathers and the experiences and challenges involved. Seventeen interviews with men in different stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period were conducted. Through a grounded theory design, a novel four-stage theoretical model emerged that represents the journey to first-time fatherhood. These stages are beginning the journey, fatherhood in limbo, facing reality, and settling down. Participants suggested that achieving a new normality was the final stage where they finally felt located with a sense of mastery in their journey to fatherhood. The novel theoretical approach of addressing the process of men's transition allowed more complete access to their perspectives. Men's needs are different at every phase of the transition to fatherhood, and the use of these findings can help care providers in caring for every man according to the stage he is facing.

The role of infant attention and parental sensitivity in infant cognitive development in the Netherlands and China

Infant attention and parental sensitivity are important predictors of later child executive function (EF). However, most studies have investigated infant and parent factors in relation to child EF separately and included only mothers from Western samples. The current study examined whether both infant attention at 4 months and parental sensitivity at 4 and 14 months were related to infant EF (i.e., inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) at 14 months among 124 Dutch and 63 Chinese first-time mothers and fathers and their infants. Findings revealed that parental sensitivity at 4 months was not correlated with infant EF abilities at 14 months. However, infant attention at 4 months was significantly related to 14-month working memory, but not to inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Maternal sensitivity at 14 months was significantly related to 14-month inhibition, but not to working memory and cognitive flexibility. No country differences were found in the relation among 4-month infant attention, parental sensitivity, and EF outcomes. Results show that both infant and parent factors are associated with early EF development and that these correlates of early EF skills may be similar in Western and non-Western samples.

A population study on perinatal psychological distress in Mexican fathers

Introduction. The transition to parenthood can be a source of stress for fathers and, in some cases, it can be accompanied by emotional distress. This aspect has been neglected in Mexican research. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of emotional distress and the sociodemographic factors associated with it in Mexican fathers. Method. Cross-sectional study. A subsample of 997 fathers, over 18 years of age, was taken from the data of a national survey, whose partners were pregnant or had given birth in the last six months. The Kessler Emotional Distress Scale (K6) was used. Results. About 25% of the fathers experienced moderate emotional distress during their partner's pregnancy and 29.5% during the postpartum period; 1.0% and 1.9% showed serious emotional distress in those periods, respectively. Being between 18 and 29 years old (PR = .10; CI [.01, .79]), having lower educational attainment (PR = 5.59; CI [1.19, 26.21]), and going through postpartum (PR = 4.11; CI [1.00, 16.78]) were at higher risks for severe emotional distress; having one or two children (PR = .16; CI [.05, .55]) or more than three (PR = .08; CI [.01, .44]) was a higher risk than being a first-time father. Discussion and conclusion. It is necessary to continue studying paternal perinatal mental health due to the impact it has on the mother and the infant, and to design tailored interventions. Parental emotional distress needs to be better understood considering recent changes in the paternal role in developing countries.

Depressive symptoms in men immediately after birth

ObjectiveDepression is the second leading cause of morbidity worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of paternal postpartum depressive symptoms (PPD). MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, via a stratified random and convenience sampling method 591 couples who were referred to Mazandaran primary health centers between 2 and 8 weeks postpartum were recruited from March to October 2017. Couples were screened for depressive symptoms using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Fathers provided information on socio-demographic characteristics, life events, neonatal stressor, perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and general health status using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) as well. Data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. ResultsOverall, 93 fathers (15.7%) and 188 mothers (31.8%) reported depressive symptoms above the cut-off EPDS score of 12. In the multiple logistic regression model, older age, maternal depressive symptoms, higher GHQ-12 scores and increased recent life events were related to paternal PPD. A significant inverse association was found between number of children and paternal PPD. ConclusionDepressive symptoms especially in first-time fathers following the birth of a child are not uncommon. Creating opportunities for men to access special health care services, parental education to help adapting to parenthood, screening programs, and psychiatric/psychosocial interventions to decrease suffering of depression for both depressed parents are recommended.

Psychiatric consequences of a father’s leave policy by nativity: a quasi-experimental study in Sweden

BackgroundParental leave use has been found to promote maternal and child health, with limited evidence of mental health impacts on fathers. How these effects vary for minority populations with poorer...

A mixed-methods feasibility study of an intervention to improve men\u2019s mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood

BackgroundMany health visiting services in England use the Promotional Guide system with mothers and fathers, an intervention to support their transition to parenthood, but there is little known about its use and effectiveness, especially with fathers. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of the Promotional Guide system with first-time fathers and pilot potential outcome measures to assess their mental health and wellbeing.MethodsA mixed methods prospective observational cohort study. Expectant first-time fathers were recruited from four London (UK) local authority boroughs. Data were collected through online pre and post intervention questionnaires, and semi-structured telephone interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using framework analysis.ResultsEighty-six fathers were interested in participating; 7 did not meet inclusion criteria and 79 were invited to complete the baseline questionnaire. Questionnaires completed by 45 men at both timepoints were included in the final analysis. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for all outcomes, showing a slight deterioration in the scores across all measures in the postnatal period compared to the antenatal. Ten of these men were also interviewed. Six major categories were identified: 1) Experience of health visitor contact, 2) Experience of Promotional Guides, 3) Experience of perinatal health services, 4) Experience of fatherhood, 5) Fathers’ mental health and wellbeing, and 6) Experience of the research process.While antenatal and postnatal outcomes were collected from 45 first-time fathers, none had received the intervention in its entirety. This study identified major gaps in the implementation of the Promotional Guide system with fathers.ConclusionThis study assessed recruitment of first-time fathers, time to complete recruitment, and retention rates and identified outcome measures that could be used in a future definitive study. While it wasn’t possible to examine the potential changes following the use of the Promotional Guide system, the study reported on the changes in the fathers’ ‘states’ in the antenatal and postnatal period. It provided a narrative on whether first-time fathers found it acceptable to be asked about their mental health and wellbeing, highlighted their specific needs during their transition to fatherhood, and how they wanted to be supported. It also identified barriers to implementation of the Promotional Guide system by health visitors, which need to be addressed prior to any future research into this intervention. These findings have a number of implications for researchers, health professionals, health service managers, commissioners, policy makers and parents.

Translation and validation of the first time fathers questionnaire into Persian

Background/Aims The presence of fathers during labour and birth can have favourable outcomes for the health of the mother, father and infant. However, there are few studies on fathers' experiences while being present during labour and birth, which necessitates the development of a valid questionnaire for this purpose. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the first time fathers questionnaire into Persian. Methods A total of 220 first-time fathers at private midwifery counseling centers were given a translated questionnaire to complete. Forward-backward translation of the questionnaire was conducted and content, face and construct validity were examined. After extracting factors and item distribution, confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Cronbach's alpha was used for reliability. Results A valid 19-item questionnaire with four dimensions, ‘worry’, ‘acceptance and support during labor’, ‘support during and after birth’, and ‘preparedness’ was obtained. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.78. Conclusions The Persian questionnaire is valid and reliable for examining the experiences of first-time fathers. It can be employed to evaluate fathers' experiences during labour and birth in midwifery services planning to promote quality of care during childbirth.

First-time fathers’ experience of childbirth: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe purposes of this study are to report first-time fathers’ experiences of childbirth through three dimensions (professional support, worries and prenatal preparation) and to analyse the influence of sociodemographic, antenatal and obstetrical factors on the three dimensions. SettingParticipants were recruited in France and Switzerland from two university hospitals that routinely manage high-risk pregnancies (level 3 – perinatal care level), with 4,000 to 5,000 annual births each. MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. The data initially were collected for the cross-cultural validation of the First-Time Father Questionnaire (FTFQ) into French. Descriptive statistics were used to report the participants’ characteristics and their questionnaire responses. Multivariate linear regression analysis was carried out to stress the positive or negative factors linked with fathers’ experiences of childbirth. FindingsAmong 350 first-time fathers, 160 completed the FTFQ (response rate of 45.7%). The average age of the participants was 33 years old. We observed 12 questionnaire items with more than 20% unfavourable responses, seven of which involved the measurement of the worry dimension. Antenatal education and the prenatal-preparation dimension were positive factors linked with fathers’ experiences. In addition, 57% of participants reported using one means of antenatal education, and 45% accessed information from family or friends. Conclusions and implications for practiceThe results suggest that first-time fathers need more professional support to foster positive experiences of childbirth. Their experiences of childbirth are associated with considerable worry. Antenatal classes specifically for fathers could reduce this worry and support the fatherhood process. Research should be carried out on these topics.

A Chain Mediation Model of Perceived Stress, Neuroticism, and Psychological Inflexibility on Depressive Symptoms of Chinese New Fathers.

There is a growing concern about mental health issues in new fathers, such as postpartum depression (PPD). Factors associated with PPD in men include personality traits and perceived stress. This study examined a set of hypothesized paths using perceived stress, neuroticism, and psychological inflexibility to predict depressive symptoms. A total of 189 participants took part. The mean age of these first-time fathers was 36.12 years (SD = 2.39). Perceived stress, neuroticism, and psychological inflexibility positively predicted new fathers’ depressive symptoms (B = 0.13, 0.37, and 0.31, respectively). These predictors explained 48% (R2 = 0.48) of the variance in the measured outcome of depressive symptoms in these new Chinese fathers. The total standardized direct effects of the three variables on depressive symptoms were 0.47 (95% CI [0.38, 0.53]). In conclusion, this study provides novel information about the chain mediating role played by neuroticism and psychological inflexibility in the relationship between perceived stress and PPD. Perceived stress significantly predicted neuroticism and psychological inflexibility, which in turn significantly predicted depressive symptoms in new Chinese fathers. The relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms was also mediated by each of psychological inflexibility or neuroticism alone.

A soft baby carrier intervention enhances amygdala responses to infant crying in fathers: A randomized controlled trial

New fathers may grow into their parental role through active involvement in childcare. Spending time in physical contact with the child may promote an adaptive transition to fatherhood. In this randomized controlled trial, we tested the effects of a baby carrier intervention on fathers’ hormonal and neural functioning. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined whether infant carrying affects neural reactivity to infant crying in first-time fathers, taking into account the role of the hormone oxytocin as a mediating mechanism and fathers’ own childhood experiences as a potential moderating factor. Sixty first-time fathers (infant age M = 11.18 weeks, SD = 2.08) were randomly assigned to a baby carrier intervention group (n = 32 fathers) or a control group (n = 28 fathers). Fathers in the intervention group were instructed to use a baby carrier for three weeks, whereas fathers in the control group were instructed to use a baby seat. Before and after the intervention salivary oxytocin was measured and neural reactivity to infant crying was assessed using fMRI. Results showed that the infant carrier intervention increased amygdala reactivity to infant crying compared to the infant seat users. This effect was most pronounced in fathers with experiences of childhood abuse. The carrier intervention did not affect fathers’ oxytocin levels. Our findings indicate that spending time in physical contact with the infant may promote attention to and accurate perception of infant signals, in particular in fathers with more adverse childhood experiences. Soft baby carriers may, therefore, facilitate an adaptive transition to fatherhood.

Coparenting across the transition to parenthood: Qualitative evidence from South-Brazilian families.

Despite the increase in research on coparenting, few studies have focused on non-North American or non-European families, which has hindered practice and policy targeting diverse countries. The authors used a qualitative, longitudinal, multiple case study to investigate coparenting agreement/disagreement and support/undermining, defined by Feinberg's model, in a sample of South-Brazilian families across the Transition to Parenthood (TtoP). Twelve first-time mothers and fathers (six nuclear families) of children who attended different childcare arrangements (i.e., maternal care, nanny care, and daycare center) participated in individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews at 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum. Deductive thematic analysis was adopted to explore and interpret the data. Similarities and singularities between families were found. Overall, agreement remained relatively stable during the first year, whereas disagreements concerning discipline demanded more parental negotiation as infants advanced toward toddlerhood. Support and undermining coexisted in the same families, although mothers and fathers expressed undermining differently. Our findings also revealed how Brazilian sociocultural aspects linked to the upbringing in the family of origin, gender role expectations, labor and financial spheres, as well as childcare arrangements, may have shaped the coparenting dynamics of the participants. This study contributes to the literature by shedding light on coparenting in South-Brazilian families. Our findings offer support to two key themes aligned with Feinberg's model of coparenting, that is agreement/disagreement and support/undermining, further reinforcing the importance of understanding coparenting in light of the families' ecological context, without disregarding singularities that mark each coparental relationship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Paternal depression and attachment levels of first-time fathers in Turkey.

Paternal depression and inadequate attachment experienced in the postpartum period may be associated with future emotional and behavioural problems of children. This study aimed to investigate the paternal depression and attachment levels of first-time fathers. The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 175 fathers with 3-6 months old babies whose wives applied to the polyclinic for check-up. When the cut-off point of the scale was evaluated at 13 and above in this study, the risk of depression was found to be 14.2%. The level of attachment decreases as fathers' risk of depression increases (p < 0.05). There is a risk of depression in fathers in the postpartum period. The level of attachment decreases as fathers' risk of depression increases.

First-time fathers' experiences during their transition to parenthood: A study of Korean fathers.

PurposeThis study was conducted to explore first-time fathers' experiences during their transition to parenthood in South Korea.MethodsData were collected from September 2019 to February 2020 through in-depth interviews that were conducted individually with 12 participants. First-time fathers with children under 2 months of age were recruited. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.ResultsFour theme clusters were identified: Preparing to become a father, challenges of becoming a father, motivation to foster familial bonds, and acknowledgement of fatherhood.ConclusionThese findings suggest that Korean first-time fathers prepared to practice parenthood through prenatal education, taegyo, and feeling bonds with their new baby. They recognized their identity as fathers and experienced self-growth. These results would be beneficial for health professionals in developing perinatal care programs, and the results provide basic data for studies on fathers and families during the transition to parenthood.

COVID-19-Related anxieties and parenting stress among first-time mothers and fathers in their first year of parenthood

Introduction The changes accompanying the transition to parenthood, joined by the fears aroused by the COVID-19 pandemic, may lead to high levels of parental anxieties and stress, particularly among parents of young infants. This study, conducted in the midst of the crisis, explores the level of COVID-19-related anxieties and parenting stress of Israeli parents in their first year of parenthood. Methods First-time mothers (n = 469) and fathers (n = 137), aged 21-50, completed self-report questionnaires in April, 2020. They were divided into two groups: parents of younger infants (aged 3-6 months); parents of older infants (aged 7-12 months). Results The levels of all COVID-19-related anxieties were quite high, with the greatest concern aroused by public transportation and public places, followed by concerns over the possible infection of family members and the infant, going for infant check-ups, getting the virus themselves, and the health of the infant. In both groups, mothers reported higher COVID-19-related anxieties than fathers. Fathers of older infants reported higher parenting stress than mothers. Discussion The results highlight the need to be attentive to the double stress of new parents in the first year of parenthood in a time of crisis, and to the potentially greater vulnerability of fathers of older infants.

Husbands’ Childcare Time and Wives’ Second-Birth Intentions Among Dual-Income Couples: The Mediating Effects of Work–Family Conflict and Parenting Stress

Given that the decline in fertility is an important issue in South Korea, we examined whether the husbands’ childcare time is related to the wives’ second-birth intentions among dual-income couples in South Korea. In addition, we examined how work–family conflict, family–work conflict, and parenting stress mediate the above associations. Data were derived from the 2017 Korean Employed Women’s Work–Family Balance Study, and participants were 488 married and full-time dual-income mothers who have one child under the age of five, and who live in Seoul, South Korea. Path analysis found that the percentage of total childcare time on weekdays by husbands was positively associated with the wives’ second-birth intentions. In addition, parenting stress mediated the association between the husbands’ percentage of total childcare time on weekends and the wives’ second-birth intentions. On the basis of our findings, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers need to develop a fathering program, which will be helpful for first-time fathers in establishing egalitarian gender attitudes and learning appropriate parenting knowledge, promoting mothers to have additional children. We also recommend that future studies address whether the husbands’ involvement in childcare is related to the wives’ subsequent childbirth via the wives’ parenting stress and the second-birth intentions using a longitudinal research method.

“Girls Are Like Flowers; Boys Are Like footballs”

To contribute to the discussion about how masculinity—understood as a configuration of gender practices (Connell 2000)—is reproduced, this paper analyzes fathers’ discourse about the gender of their sons and daughters. I carried out a qualitative longitudinal study in Chile during which 28 first-time fathers were interviewed before and after their child’s birth or arrival (adoption). I suggest that these fathers see gender in essentialist, dichotomous, and hierarchical terms. They expect to shape their sons’ gender practices according to hegemonic masculinity (discouraging gender practices associated with femininity or homosexuality). In the study, no attempt to reformulate masculine gender practices was observed but, rather, an interest on the fathers’ part in maintaining the patriarchal gender order.

“Girls Are Like Flowers; Boys Are Like footballs”

To contribute to the discussion about how masculinity—understood as a configuration of gender practices (Connell 2000)—is reproduced, this paper analyzes fathers’ discourse about the gender of their sons and daughters. I carried out a qualitative longitudinal study in Chile during which 28 first-time fathers were interviewed before and after their child’s birth or arrival (adoption). I suggest that these fathers see gender in essentialist, dichotomous, and hierarchical terms. They expect to shape their sons’ gender practices according to hegemonic masculinity (discouraging gender practices associated with femininity or homosexuality). In the study, no attempt to reformulate masculine gender practices was observed but, rather, an interest on the fathers’ part in maintaining the patriarchal gender order.