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Paternal Depression in the Postnatal Period and Early Father-Infant Interactions.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Sethna, Vaheshta 
Murray, Lynne 
Netsi, Elena 
Psychogiou, Lamprini 
Ramchandani, Paul G 

Abstract

Objective. Paternal depressive disorder is associated with adverse effects on child development. One possible mechanism for this is through the effects of the disorder on parenting capacities. The link between paternal depression and father-infant interactions was investigated at three-months postpartum. Design. Major depressive disorder was assessed in N = 192 fathers using a structured clinical interview (SCID). Altogether, 54 fathers met criteria for depression, and 99 fathers were categorized as non-depressed. Observational assessments of face-to-face father-infant interactions were conducted in an infant-seat setting and a floor-mat setting. Associations between paternal depression and father-infant interactions were analyzed. Results. Paternal depression is associated with more withdrawn parental behavior in interactions on the floor-mat. There were few other differences in observed interaction between depressed and non-depressed fathers. Conclusions. Fathers with depression may be more withdrawn, displaying less verbal and behavioral stimulation during interactions with their young infants. They may initiate a pattern of parenting that remains compromised, potentially affecting their children's development.

Description

Keywords

5202 Biological Psychology, 5203 Clinical and Health Psychology, 52 Psychology, 5201 Applied and Developmental Psychology, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Major Depressive Disorder, Behavioral and Social Science, Pediatric, Brain Disorders, Serious Mental Illness, Depression, 2.3 Psychological, social and economic factors, 2.1 Biological and endogenous factors, Mental health

Journal Title

Parenting: Science and Practice

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1529-5192
1532-7922

Volume Title

15

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (078434/Z/05/Z)
Dr. Ramchandani was supported by a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Fellowship 078434, and Dr. Sethna was supported by a Medical Research Council studentship.