Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-27-2019

Publication Title

Journal of Family Issues

Publisher

Sage Choice

First page number:

1

Last page number:

17

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.

Keywords

Fathers; Paternal involvement; Paternal postpartum depression; Postpartum depression

Disciplines

Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling

File Format

pdf

File Size

111 KB

Language

English

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