Paternal Perinatal Mental Health: At-Risk Fathers’ Perceptions of Help-Seeking and Screening

Abstract

Given the prevalence of paternal perinatal mental health concerns, researchers have suggested introducing routine screening. However, little is known about the acceptability of perinatal screening measures in male populations. Furthermore, the need for screening is influenced by men’s perinatal help-seeking behaviors. A thematic analysis of interview data from nine men at risk of paternal perinatal depression and/or anxiety investigated both acceptability of screening and help-seeking behaviors. Themes indicate that routine screening is desired, but acceptability is influenced by perceptions of its intention and possible outcomes. Findings also suggest that barriers to men’s perinatal help-seeking are likely to be minimized by increased awareness and normalization. Future research and clinical practice should account for complexities raised by men’s perceptions of health care services.

Assessing the Mental Health of Fathers, Other Co-parents, and Partners in the Perinatal Period: Mixed Methods Evidence Synthesis

“…As shown in Table 2 , all of the 20 studies addressing acceptability were from high-income Westernized countries. Parent perspectives were reported in eight studies ( 34 , 49 , 78 – 83 ); nine reported health professional perspectives ( 84 – 92 ); none included both. A further three feasibility and implementation studies reported behavioral indicators (e.g., completion rates) without collecting participants' perspectives ( 93 – 95 ).…”

“…In a further three studies where assessment had not been introduced into practice, fathers were asked to complete specific measures and comment on their acceptability within a research context. This included the EPDS completed away from clinical environments (e.g., home) ( 79 , 83 ), and the CES-D ( 82 ) and IES-R ( 82 ), which were completed in a NICU but as a research questionnaire.…”

“…They included early parenting services that provide support around early parenting difficulties (Australia) ( 88 ), services providing special care to infants with health complications or born prematurely (UK and USA) ( 81 , 95 ), and public health child nursing (Italy, Sweden, UK) ( 78 , 92 – 94 ). In contrast, those completed in a research context included completion during pregnancy ( 79 , 83 ).…”

“…The studies that explored acceptability of partners' mental health being assessed (regardless of measure) commonly used qualitative approaches (interviews and focus groups) ( 34 , 49 , 80 , 83 , 85 , 87 – 90 , 92 ), with a minority using survey methods ( 84 , 90 , 91 ) and one using Delphi consensus techniques with a group of international experts ( 86 ).…”

Profiles of Depressive Symptoms and Anger in Men: Associations With Postpartum Family Functioning

“…In line with past research, our finding suggests that many fathers may feel alienated from effective support. In prior research fathers report not seeking support because of reasons including a belief that the focus should be on the mother and infant in the postnatal period (89), past negative experiences when asking for help (90,91), stigma attached to revealing emotions and vulnerability (92,93) and rigid adherence to masculine values of stoicism and self-reliance (90,94).…”