Paternal Mental Health (PMH)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Support for paternal mental health during the perinatal period: A qualitative study
IRAS ID
350420
Contact name
Alison Cooke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital North Midlands Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The perinatal period is a crucial transition for parents, but research has mainly focused on maternal mental health. Fathers also experience significant psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression, often feeling their needs are ignored. This can lead to untreated issues that negatively affect family dynamics, parenting, and child development. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles further hinder open communication, discouraging fathers from seeking help.
This study aims to address these gaps by exploring the mental health challenges faced by fathers during the perinatal period and identifying their support needs.
Objectives:
1. Identify mental health challenges experienced by fathers during the perinatal period.
2. Assess the accessibility and adequacy of existing mental health support.
3. Determine the types of support that fathers find most beneficial.
4. Develop recommendations for interventions tailored to fathers' specific needs.This study will use a qualitative design with in-depth semi-structured interviews to gather insights from fathers who have experienced the perinatal phase in the past year. Thirty participants will be invited for interviews, which can be conducted in person at UHNM, at their homes, or online via Microsoft Teams, lasting up to 60 minutes.
The findings will enhance understanding of fathers' mental health during the perinatal period, affecting their involvement with children and relationships with partners, while highlighting gaps in support systems focused on mothers.
In conclusion, this study will focus on fathers' experiences and needs in perinatal mental health. By providing valuable insights, it aims to enhance support for both parents and promote a more inclusive approach to perinatal mental health care. This research aims to improve child outcomes by promoting healthier behaviours among fathers and reducing the risk of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It will also provide evidence to support inclusive health services that meet fathers' needs and foster long-term mental health resilience.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
25/NS/0050
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion