Mental Health Of Fathers Research Articles

Ignored sufferers: a phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of postpartum depression among men

ABSTRACT Objective Postpartum depression is common among new parents. Whilst there is a sizeable evidence base on mothers’ experience of the condition, much less is known about how it affects new fathers. The aim of this qualitative study was to address this gap in the literature by exploring the lived experiences of men with postpartum depression. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 men diagnosed with postpartum depression recruited through purposive sampling from hospitals in two Indian cities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results Analysis revealed four themes: men's silence in relationships, which reflected fear of conflict and marital discord; economic burden due to their financial responsibility for a new child; sleep deprivation due to caring for the newborn; and enmeshment, which reflected interference from parents and parents-in-law. Discussion Postpartum depression has a significant impact on the mental health of fathers. Insights from this study can help clinicians and counsellors better understand the condition and support affected men. Policy-level changes such as paternal leave for fathers are also needed. There remains a lack of research into sociocultural factors associated with postpartum depression.

Relation between young children's anger and fathers' mental health during the COVID‐19 epidemic: Moderating role of gender and child number

AbstractThe father–child interaction deserves attention during the COVID‐19 epidemic. This study administrated the Child Anger Questionnaire and the SCL‐90 Symptom Checklist to collect primary data from 1862 fathers of Chinese young children during the COVID‐19 outbreak, examined the relation between young children's anger and their fathers' mental health, and verified whether the relation was moderated by the gender or the child number. The results demonstrated that the detection rate of anger among Chinese young children was 60.08%, the scores of SCL‐90 factors of their fathers were significantly lower than the Chinese normal adult male norms and those of infant parents, and the anger of young children had a significant effect on their fathers' mental health. Gender and child number moderated this relation. It is of great significance to strengthen the attention to the anger of young children and the mental health of fathers during the period of public health emergencies, and to promote the harmonious interpersonal relationship between young children and their fathers.

Is participation in antenatal classes associated with fathers' mental health? A quasi-experimental and prospective study.

In comparison to those conducted with women, studies about the transition of men to parenthood are limited in numbers, especially in developing countries. Moreover, in Turkey, along with gender roles and sociocultural changes, the roles of fathers are also changing. This change highlights the need to understand early parenthood for fathers. A quasi-experimental, non-randomized prospective study with a pre- and post-training model was conducted in a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Men in the antenatal education group (EG = 55) and their pregnant wives participated in 6 weeks of training during pregnancy (24th-28th weeks gestation). Men in the care-as-usual group (CG = 55) attended routine check-ups and follow-ups with their wives. GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire-28) was administered three times in total at study enrolment, immediately following the 6-week intervention period, and at the 6th postpartum week. There was no significant difference between the groups' GHQ-28 scores before and after the training. In the 6th week of postpartum follow-up, the GHQ-28 scores were significantly higher for the fathers who participated in the educational intervention. Antenatal education classes were found to be associated with the mental health of fathers. Further research evaluating family-centered parenting support programs is warranted to better understand how to support fathers in the transition to parenthood, particularly in countries in which fathers' roles in pregnancy and early parenthood are changing.

Association of adolescent and young adult depression and anxiety with perinatal mental health in fathers: Findings from an Australian longitudinal study

The current study examined associations between preconception diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders in adolescence and young adulthood and perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms in early fatherhood. In an Australian community cohort study of health and development, earlier history of MDD and anxiety disorders (extending back to adolescence) were assessed retrospectively in the third trimester of pregnancy via the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Paternal perinatal depression and anxiety were then assessed prospectively over three timepoints (third trimester of pregnancy, 8 weeks and 12 months postpartum), using established cut-points on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (anxiety subscale). Mixed-effects regression models examined risk associations between preconception diagnoses of MDD and anxiety disorders, and perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms at each timepoint, adjusting for socio-demographic factors and concurrent maternal mental health difficulties. The odds of clinically concerning levels of paternal perinatal depression and anxiety were 6-fold and 4-fold higher, respectively, in men with a preconception history of MDD. The odds of perinatal depression were 3-fold higher in men with a preconception history of an anxiety disorder. Less evidence was found for an association between preconception diagnoses of an anxiety disorder and perinatal anxiety in fathers. Interventions aimed at improving mental health in men during adolescence and young adulthood may promote continued psychological health in men during early fatherhood.

Paternal Perinatal Depression in Modern-Day Fatherhood.

Postpartum depression in new mothers has become a widely recognized public health concern. Paternal perinatal depression (PPND) and the mental health of fathers in the perinatal period continues to receive significantly less public attention. Overall prevalence rates of up to 25% have been documented in first-time fathers. The presence of maternal depression, unsatisfactory couple relationships, and certain psychosocial and biological risk factors are associated with poor paternal bonding and increased depression risk. Depressed fathers experience excessive self-criticism, restlessness, irritability, and aggression rather than low mood. Depression in new fathers can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, food behavior disorders, and lack of impulse control. PPND leads to developmental delay, mental health disorders, and emotional or behavioral problems in the offspring. PPND may also adversely affect a child's ability to learn new information, with lasting intellectual and scholastic consequences. There currently are no official criteria to diagnose PPND, and neither are there validated screening tools available to fathers. A family-focused approach should be considered in place of the historically gender-focused mood assessment. Nontraditional interventions such as Internet communities, e-therapy, or group workshops are shown to combat a father's contextual understanding of therapy. Group therapy with integrated cognitive behavioral therapy can address masculine norms surrounding the parenting roles of fathers and can help cultivate support networks that are otherwise absent among new dads. PPND is ideally addressed by the adoption of a father-inclusive model of care that shifts the parenting paradigm and provides emotional and parenting support to men as they experience their new role as dad.

Paternal Mental Health and Parenting in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the family economy by threatening job security, which has been acting as a source of stress for fathers. Social distancing has increased father-child interaction time and the burden of parenting. The parenting stress levels of fathers increased, and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety were induced. This was reported to be more serious in vulnerable groups, according to the race or socioeconomic status of the fathers. Fathers’ mental health problems in the context of COVID-19 affect father-child relationships and children’s adjustment in the long term. Healthcare professionals must develop community-based intervention programs to screen fathers’ risk factors and educate them on mental health issues, while considering the changing roles and mental health of fathers during the pandemic. Before another epidemic breaks out.

Development and Psychometric Testing of the Mental Health Scale for Childrearing Fathers.

The mental health of fathers influences the development of children and the functioning of families significantly. However, there is no useful scale for the mental health screening of childrearing fathers. This study developed a Mental Health Scale for Childrearing Fathers (MSCF) and determined its reliability and validity. Childrearing fathers are working fathers who co-parent with their spouses. This survey was conducted in two stages: a pilot study and a main survey. Data were obtained from 98 fathers raising preschoolers in the pilot study and 306 fathers in the main survey. The collected data were used to confirm the construct validity, criterion-related validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency reliability. The final MSCF consisted of 25 items comprising four factors: peaceful familial connection, healthy mind and body, satisfying paternal alliances, and leading a meaningful life as a parent. The internal consistency reliability estimated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.918. The validity of the MSCF was logically secured using a confirmatory factor analysis. The MSCF can be an effective tool for mental health screening among fathers in relation to the burden of childrearing during regular infant health checks.

\u201cWhat kind of man gets depressed after having a baby?\u201d Fathers\u2019 experiences of mental health during the perinatal period

BackgroundTo date, information and support has been focused on mothers, with evidence that healthcare professionals overlook fathers’ mental health, and that fathers receive little or no support for themselves during the perinatal period. However, recently, fathers’ mental health has become an area of interest.MethodsThis study explored the support fathers receive for their own mental health during the perinatal period. A qualitative questionnaire was distributed on social media networks and completed by twenty-nine fathers.ResultsThematic analysis produced three main themes: Factors Influencing Fathers’ Mental Health, Consequences of Poor Mental Health in Fathers and Solutions to Improve Fathers’ Mental Health.ConclusionsThe findings from this study highlighted important implications about fathers’ mental health and the need to support them more effectively. Fathers’ reluctance to seek support and the limited support available need to be addressed. Fathers in this study perceived that perinatal health professionals view ‘mothers as the priority’. It is clear that health professionals need more training on how to recognise that fathers are also important and need support for their mental health.

Postnatal depression in fathers: a quiet struggle?

The mental health of fathers is now receiving more attention as a part of a national policy designed to address mens' mental health. Fatherhood can be a challenging period in a man's life and some men are at risk of developing depression leading up to and following the birth of their child. It is estimated that, on average, 8% of new fathers are diagnosed with paternal postnatal depression. It has been reported that this condition is not well understood and that support for these fathers is limited. This paper examines literature on the emerging evidence for paternal postnatal depression, its prevalence, risk factors and how new fathers, who are susceptible to this condition, can be better supported in health care settings.

‘Mad, sad and bad’ to ‘Dad’: care-experienced men’s experiences of fatherhood

The transition to fatherhood can have a significant impact upon men’s emotional health and well-being. As experiences of abuse and neglect in childhood also correlate with increased rates of depression, self-harm and suicide in adulthood, it is likely that the mental health of fathers who spent time in care as children due to maltreatment will be more severely affected by the move to fatherhood. Although research into the experiences of fathers has multiplied in recent years, there remain lacunae and the experiences of many, for example single parents and those who are disabled or have care experience, remain unexplored. This article fills this gap for one such group by exploring the lived experiences of five fathers with care experience whose children remain in their care. They were interviewed about their situation and feelings and the emerging data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes emerged: ‘Going back to move forward’, ‘Reliving the past’ and ‘Breaking the cycle’, and these encapsulated eight more subordinate themes. Participants described fatherhood as a chance to relive their childhood and feel accepted as part of a family, which enhanced their sense of self from ‘Mad, sad and bad’ to ‘Dad’. The implications for policy and practice for supporting care-experienced fathers are discussed along with directions for future research.

Predictors of postpartum depression in first-time fathers.

A significant number of men suffer from paternal postpartum depression (PPPD). This is detrimental to family and personal well-being. This study aims to report rates of PPPD in first-time fathers in New Zealand. It also aims to find predictors of PPPD. Data from 116 men were analysed. Men completed questionnaires at 24 weeks gestation, 36 weeks gestation, post-birth and 6 months after the baby was born. The outcome of interest was scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 6 months after the baby was born. Twelve percent of the participants met criteria for PPPD. Factors that predicted PPPD were: earlier depression, family life satisfaction, expectations, birth interventions, pain management for their partner and pregnancy anxiety. It is important that PPPD is recognised and treated. More research is needed on the mental health of fathers.

447. Paternal consequences of preeclampsia

Women experiencing pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome are known to be at increased risk of developing mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum depression. While the role of fathers in the etiology and pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia becomes increasingly clear, the effects of pre-eclampsia on the mental wellbeing of fathers is scarcely researched. A recent meta-analysis on the mental health of fathers demonstrate that 8% of fathers suffers from depression, which is twice the rate of depression in the adult male population. Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also occur in partners. Particularly stressful for fathers in case of severe preeclampsia with preterm birth appears to be the separation from and between mother and child, and starting fatherhood facing existential issues. Research into the paternal consequences of preeclampsia is scarce and warrants further evaluation. In the meantime, qualitative studies point out the important of supporting partners of women with pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and in the postpartum period: by actively involving fathers during the hospitalization and in postnatal care; by normalizing the mental health impact of potentially life-threatening conditions such as pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, also on partners; by monitoring the wellbeing of fathers postpartum, especially in case of preterm birth and in partners with a history of mental disorders; by informing partners of possible mental health consequences; and by validating fathers if they report mental health issues or psychiatric symptoms.

Promoting Postpartum Mental Health in Fathers: Recommendations for Nurse Practitioners.

The transition to fatherhood can challenge the mental health of first-time fathers and heighten their risk for postpartum depression (PPD). Paternal PPD not only affects the individual, but relationships with partners and children as well. This scoping review explores paternal PPD, highlighting the factors for and impacts of paternal PPD, the experiences of first-time fathers during the postnatal period, including their knowledge gaps and learning preferences. Drawing on the scoping review findings, recommendations are made for postnatal programs to improve the inclusion of new fathers amid describing how nurse practitioners can promote men’s mental health in the postpartum period.

Paternal Physical Activity: An Important Target to Improve the Health of Fathers and their Children.

Although the transition to fatherhood is joyful and fulfilling for many men, becoming a father also exposes men to a series of new challenges and responsibilities that can negatively affect their well-being. As such, effective strategies that foster positive physical and mental health in fathers are required. Given the established links between regular physical activity and optimal health, strategies to reduce the substantial decline in physical activity typically observed during the early fatherhood may be particularly fruitful. In this commentary, we discuss the potential mediating role of physical activity on a series of important outcomes for fathers, including paternal and child health and the quality of the father-child relationship. We also present an argument that high-quality research studies testing physical activity interventions that meaningfully engage fathers are urgently required.

Paternal postnatal depression: How midwives can support families

Over the past 3 decades, there has been a growing awareness and concern about the burden of ill health experienced by men, and research has shown that fatherhood has a protective effect on men's health. However, there is also evidence that the transition to fatherhood can be complex and demanding, with many fathers feeling inadequately equipped as they begin their journey. This can cause distress, anxiety and increased risk of depression. With a prevalence of approximately 10%, paternal postnatal depression (PPND) is a real and significant public health issue. However, PPND is not widely acknowledged nor well researched. In general, the mental health of fathers in the postnatal period is often not considered. This has resulted in men being underscreened, underdiagnosed and undertreated for PPND and other postnatal mental health problems. The need to address the problem is highlighted by the detrimental effects that PPND can have on a father's health, as well as the numerous potential negative effects on the health and wellbeing of the woman and child. Key findings from research undertaken in relation to PPND have identified maternal depression, poor social support and a lack of education as contributing factors.

Fathers' mental health and wellbeing: Why is it significant to health visiting?

Mental health and wellbeing is a public health priority in the UK. The transition to parenthood can be a stressful time bringing new challenges, which can significantly affect the mental wellbeing of both mothers and fathers. While the importance of maternal mental health is widely recognised, fathers' mental health needs are less well understood. Poor mental health in fathers can have an adverse effect on the child's health and development. Health visitors can play a key role in improving fathers' mental health during this crucial time. This paper is the second of a two-part series on fatherhood, which explores the importance of improving mental health and wellbeing in fathers in the postnatal period.

The Secret Lives of Postnatally Depressed Dads

Close your eyes and take a moment to think about postnatal depression (PND). What comes into your mind? What images present themselves? Historically, PND has typically been associated with women. It has also been perceived as a product of biological causes. Consequently, most of the research to date has focused on mothers. However, researchers now conceptualise that PND is also the product of psychosocial causes such as sleep disturbance, relationship conflict and financial strain. It can therefore be presumed that such factors would also impact on the mental health of fathers or male partners in the postnatal period. The study of Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND) is still in its infancy. However, an understanding of the problem has advanced considerably over the last ten years. The transition and adaptation to fatherhood is considered one of the most acute transformations experienced during a man’s life. The experience is influenced by personal, infant ...

Paternal Work Stress and the Mental Health of Fathers and Children: A Role for Urban and Rural Migration Patterns

How paternal influences interact with community factors to determine adolescent mental health is currently not well understood. In the current study we present a unique analysis of how paternal work stress, mental health, ethnicity, work history, and migration patterns between rural and urban communities (or vice versa) are associated with mental health outcomes among 2,342 adolescents. Path analyses revealed that fathers’ relocation was associated with less paternal work stress, and fewer mental health problems both in adolescents and their fathers. These findings contribute to our understanding of how family-level variables interplay with community characteristics to promote or hinder mental health among youth.

Paternal Postpartum Depression: What Health Care Providers Should Know

Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a clinically significant problem for families that is currently underscreened, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Maternal PPD is a well-known condition and has been extensively researched. In comparison, PPD in fathers and its potential effects on the family are not widely recognized. Studies have shown the importance of optimal mental health in fathers during the postpartum period. Negative effects of paternal PPD affect marital/partner relationships, infant bonding, and child development. To promote optimal health for parents and children, pediatric nurse practitioners must stay up to date on this topic. This article discusses the relationship of paternal PPD to maternal PPD; the consequences, signs, and symptoms; and the pediatric nurse practitioner's role in assessing and managing paternal PPD.

Do Late Adolescent Fathers Have More Depressive Symptoms Than Older Fathers?

Although fathers are increasingly a focus of attention in research, there is a dearth of research on depressive symptoms among fathers, especially young fathers with toddlers. This study used longitudinal data to examine what risk factors, including the age status of fathers (e.g., late adolescence, emerging adulthood, and adulthood), may be associated with depressive symptoms of fathers when their children were 3 and 5 years of age. A subsample of families for which complete data were available on all variables was used in the analyses (n = 1,403). About 46% of study sample was African American, 27% White, 23% Hispanic, and 4% other race/ethnicity. Paternal depressive symptoms were measured using Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF). Late adolescent fatherhood was significantly associated with third-year paternal depressive symptoms but not with fifth-year depressive symptoms. Those who reported low social support were more likely to be depressed at both times. Fathers who did not work for regular pay were more likely to be depressed at the third-year follow-up, but not at the fifth-year follow-up. Parenting stress and being booked/charged with a crime were not associated with third-year paternal depressive symptoms, but were with fifth-year paternal depressive symptoms. This study emphasizes the importance of screening for depressive symptoms of fathers even before the birth of their child and monitoring and treating postpartum depressive symptoms, as first-year depressive symptoms was a significant predictor for third- and fifth-year depressive symptoms. Service providers should focus on the mental health of fathers as well as mothers to promote healthy environments for their children.