Behavioural difficulties and poor social skills are more common among children exposed to paternal depression, new research has underscored.
Academics from Rutgers Health have found that children at preschool age can be negatively affected for years if their father displays signs of poor mental health.
First author Professor Kristine Schmitz said: “We need to consider depression in both parents, not just mothers.
“Depression is treatable, and to support the whole family, paediatricians must start talking with dads about it and developing father-focused interventions that meet their needs.”
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Up to 13% of fathers in the US experience symptoms of depression when their child is in their early years, with the number rising to 50% when the mother is also experiencing postpartum depression, data has identified.
During the trial, the team of researchers assessed 1,422 fathers from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study.
Each father involved in the experiment was screened for depression when their child was five years old.
When the children reached the age of nine years old, their teachers filled in questionnaires to outline their behaviour.
The authors said: “Kindergarten entry is an important developmental milestone, and adversities faced at that time can lead to poorer engagement and behaviours in grade school that may persist or magnify through middle and high school.”
According to the study, the children exhibited lower levels of cooperation and self-esteem and more anger, restlessness and defiance if their fathers reported depressive symptoms when they were five years old.
Professor Schmitz said: “Several reasons could explain the connection.
For one, depression has been found to lead to difficulty parenting and less emotional support for the child. It can also cause conflict or other stress in the home.
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“No other population-based US study has made such a definitive link between paternal depression and child behaviour in school.”
Professor Schmitz added: “While paternal depression is connected to challenging child behaviours, there is reason for hope.
“Identifying and intervening early can help improve not only fathers’ well-being but also the well-being of the children.”
Professor Schmitz concluded: “As parents, we can model that when we struggle, we reach out and get help. That’s a lesson children will carry for a lifetime.”
To read the study, click here.
