Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

10-2015

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Source Publication

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

Source ISSN

0735-7028

Abstract

While fathers have come to be more involved with their partners and infants throughout the perinatal period, recent research has shown that roughly 10% of new dads experience mental health difficulties including depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, few psychologists receive focused training regarding conceptualizing, assessing, or treating common men’s issues in the period spanning from conception through a year post-partum. Because men tend not to seek mental health services during this period, the lack of scholarly attention to this vulnerable group reflects a commonly overlooked public mental health disparity. This article provides an overview of the key factors which research and theory suggest inform new fatherhood, along with an in-depth look at paternal postpartum depression. Implications for further practice and research are discussed. Specifically, the authors review psychosocial factors including masculine socialization, self-efficacy, social support, involvement with babies, and paternal postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, implications for research and practice are discussed.

Comments

Accepted version. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 46, No. 5 (October 2015): 309-316. DOI. © 2019 American Psychological Association. Used with permission.

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