A new global study finds poor paternal mental health can impact a child’s emotional, cognitive, and physical development, especially in early years.
New Research Highlights Role of Fathers in Child Development
A landmark study published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that a father’s poor mental health may hinder their children’s emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The findings, drawn from a comprehensive review of 84 global studies, underscore the long-overlooked impact of paternal well-being, particularly during the perinatal period—from conception to two years after birth.
Study Shows Patterns Across Global Data
Led by Dr. Delyse Hutchinson of Deakin University’s SEED Lifespan Research Centre, the study analyzed thousands of father-child pairs and assessed six areas of child development. These included social-emotional, language, cognitive, physical, motor, and adaptive functioning. Results indicated small but consistent associations between a father’s depression, anxiety, or stress and developmental delays, especially in infancy and early childhood.
Alberta and Global Experts Call for Mental Health Screening for Fathers
Experts from Canada and around the world say the study is a call to action. Dr. Shelley Duggan of the Alberta Medical Association, unaffiliated with the study, stated that the findings support routine paternal mental health screening, similar to programs already in place for mothers. “Fathers need to be included in early intervention policies if we want to protect children’s long-term health,” she emphasized.
Impact Strongest in Early Years of Parenting
The researchers found that postnatal mental distress had a stronger link to developmental issues than preconception distress. This suggests that fathers’ mental health influences real-time interactions with their children—affecting attachment, responsiveness, and emotional security. Areas such as language development and cognitive growth showed the most sensitivity to paternal mental health.
Fathers’ Mental Health Declines Often Overlooked
Mental distress affects up to 11% of fathers with anxiety, 8% with clinical depression, and nearly 9% with high stress levels during early parenthood, according to the review. Despite these numbers, paternal mental health often remains under-recognized in both clinical and social support systems. Researchers say increased childcare involvement by fathers makes this oversight more concerning in today’s families.
Call to Expand Support Beyond Mothers
Experts warn that focusing only on maternal well-being may overlook crucial dynamics that affect children. Dr. Arwa Nasir, a pediatrician at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, stressed the need for a holistic family health approach. “Children’s health outcomes don’t exist in a vacuum,” she said. “We must consider the broader economic, racial, and societal pressures affecting both parents.”
Study Calls for Policy, Clinical, and Community Change
The authors urge clinicians and policymakers to build upon maternal care infrastructure by adding father-focused mental health programs. These could include screenings at pediatric appointments, peer support groups, and digital therapy apps tailored for fathers. Early treatment, Hutchinson says, could prevent long-term harm to children and improve family well-being.
Mental Health Matters at Every Stage of Parenting
While the study focused on the perinatal period, researchers stress that it’s never too late for fathers to seek support. “Every stage of a child’s development matters,” Hutchinson said. “Prioritizing mental health is not a weakness—it’s an investment in your child’s future.”
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