Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Major paternal depression and child consultation for developmental and behavioural problems

Shreya Davé1, Lorraine Sherr, Rob Senior

  • 1General Practice Research Framework, Medical Research Council, London, UK. sd@gprf.mrc.ac.uk

The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|March 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Paternal depression is linked to increased child consultations for speech and language issues and externalizing behaviors. This highlights the importance of addressing fathers' mental health for child development.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Men's Mental Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Maternal depression is known to affect child development and healthcare utilization.
  • Research on the impact of paternal depression on child outcomes is limited.
  • Understanding paternal mental health's role is crucial for comprehensive child support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between fathers' depressed mood and their children's consultations for developmental and behavioral problems.
  • To assess the impact of paternal depression on specific child health service use.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 248 father-mother dyads from UK general practices.
  • Fathers completed the Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive syndrome.
  • Child consultations for developmental and behavioral issues were recorded.

Main Results:

  • 3% of fathers reported a major depressive syndrome.
  • Children of fathers with major depression were significantly more likely to consult for speech/language problems (OR=8.67) and externalizing behaviors (OR=6.98).
  • Fathers were less often the primary caregiver for doctor visits compared to mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Paternal major depression is associated with increased child consultations for speech/language and externalizing behavior problems.
  • Findings suggest fathers' mental health is an important factor in child developmental and behavioral health.
  • Longitudinal research is recommended to establish causality.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure07:56

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

Published on: September 19, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Parenting Styles01:27

Parenting Styles

Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles — authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful, and permissive — each influence children's socio-emotional development differently.
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...