Forgotten Fathers: Postpartum Depression in Men

Keywords

postpartum depression, fathers, paternal postpartum depression, paternal involvement

Abstract

Although postpartum depression is common and well-studied in mothers, many fathers also experience symptoms. This qualitative study investigated fathers’ experiences of postpartum depression. Data from secondary sources such as blogs, websites, forums, and chat rooms were analyzed using a combination of phenomenological and content analysis methods to understand father’s experiences of paternal postpartum depression. Six themes emerged from the data including fathers’ needing education, adhering to gender expectations, repressing feelings, being overwhelmed, resentment of baby, and the experience of neglect. These data provide useful information that can aid health care providers, researchers, clinicians, and families in understanding the experience of paternal postpartum depression and in better coping with the challenges these families face.

Original Publication Citation

Eddy, B., Poll, V., Whiting, J., & Clevesy, M. (2019). Forgotten Fathers: Postpartum Depression in Men. Journal of Family Issues, 40(8), 1001–1017.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2019-02-27

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6994

Publisher

Journal of Family Issues

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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