The Relationship Between Paternal Postpartum Depression and Psychosocial Variables:  A longitudinal Study in Iran

Mamak Shariat; Nasrin Abedinia; Hasti Charousaei; Fatemeh Fatahi

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v16i4.11358

Mamak Shariat Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Health Research Center, Institute of Family Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nasrin Abedinia Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Health Research Center, Institute of Family Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hasti Charousaei Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Health Research Center, Institute of Family Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Fatahi Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v16i4.11358

Keywords: Father; Depression; Postpartum Period; Psychology; Marital Relationship; Paternal Behavior

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate and identify the psychosocial factors that are associated with paternal postpartum depression.

Materials and methods: A longitudinal correlation study with 150 fathers was performed with three time frames (late pregnancy, postpartum, and four weeks postpartum). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale assessed those with depression (38.7%; n=58) and those without depressive symptoms (61.3%; n=92). Psychological variables related to paternal depression were also assessed through questionnaires.

Results: Psychological variables such as marital adjustment and stress had a significant relationship with paternal depression. In addition, depressed fathers experienced less marital compatibility and more tension than non-depressed fathers.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of considering the psychosocial variables that affect paternal psychological health. Mental health professionals may be able to reduce mental disorders, stress, psychological distress, and marital maladjustment in fathers with appropriate psychological interventions.