Intrusive Thoughts of Harm in New Fathers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intrusive Thoughts of Harm in New Fathers
IRAS ID
266812
Contact name
Alison Helliwell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham, Research Governance and Integrity
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
The current literature suggests that maternal intrusive thoughts of both accidental and intentional harm towards an infant are a relatively common experience, occurring in at least fifty percent of new mothers in the general population (Fairbrother & Woody, 2008). Research in this area has primary focused on mothers although evidence is emerging to suggest that a similar pattern of thoughts is also common in new fathers (Abramowitz, Moore, Carmin, Wiegartz & Purdon, 2001; Abramowitz, Khandker, Nelson et al., 2006). Despite this anecdotal evidence, there are very few empirical studies that have investigated the presence of intrusive thoughts of harm in new fathers. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to assess the presence and characteristics of intrusive thoughts of harm toward infants, experienced in new fathers. \n\nNew fathers will be identified through maternity hospitals and parenting groups in the West Midlands and invited to take part in the study. All data are to be collected anonymously, therefore those who choose to participate will be given the link to an online self-report survey comprising of the following sections: demographic information and an adapted version of the Postpartum Intrusions Interview (Fairbrother & Woody, 2008). In addition to recruiting from hospitals and parenting groups, the link to the online survey will also be posted in the public domain on parenting websites and social media to be completed by any father who wishes to take part and meets the recruitment criteria. \n
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
20/WA/0009
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion