Fathers' anxiety levels during early postpartum: A comparison study between first-time and multi-child fathers
C Daire1, B Martinez de Tejada2, M J Guittier3
1University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 27, 2022
Summary
Most fathers experience low anxiety during early fatherhood. First-time fathers showed slightly higher state anxiety, but it remained low. Feeling prepared for birth was key for first-time fathers’ anxiety levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- The postnatal period presents significant adjustment challenges for new fathers.
- Assessing paternal anxiety is crucial for understanding the transition to fatherhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate anxiety levels in fathers during the early postpartum phase.
- To compare anxiety between first-time fathers and fathers with multiple children.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study utilized the French validation of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
- Anxiety was assessed in fathers in the maternity ward within 7 days postpartum.
Main Results:
- The majority of fathers (91.21% trait, 97.25% state) reported low or very low anxiety.
- First-time fathers exhibited statistically higher state anxiety than multi-child fathers (p=0.029), though still predominantly low.
- "Feeling prepared at birth" was the sole significant predictor of state anxiety in first-time fathers (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Early postpartum anxiety in fathers is generally low, indicating no immediate need for new support interventions.
- Future research should investigate paternal anxiety once the family returns home.
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