Fathers’ postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms: An exploration of links with paternal, maternal, infant and family factors

AbstractBackground: Postnatal psychological symptoms have been studied less often in fathers than in mothers. However, recent research shows that fathers’ psychopathology may have long-term effects on their children's emotional and behavioural development independently of maternal psychopathology. More research is needed on factors associated with paternal symptoms at the early stage of child development. Aims: The aim of the study was to examine the paternal, maternal, infant and family factors associated with the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in fathers of infants. Methods: As part of a study conducted in Tampere, Finland, on infants’ social withdrawal symptoms, both parents of 4-, 8- and 18-month-old infants (n = 194) completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and general information questionnaires during routine check-ups of the infants in well-baby clinics. Parental depressive and anxiety symptoms were screened using the recommended cut-off points for this purpose (5/6 ...