Current Evidence and Considerations for Psychological Support Interventions for Fathers in the Neonatal Intensive
Alyssa R Morris1,2, Anahit Sarin-Gulian1, Catherine Mogil1
1David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Fathers in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) need more psychological support. This review highlights gaps in care and proposes improvements for supporting fathers and their families during critical infant care periods.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Pediatric Psychology
- Family-Centered Care
Background:
- Fathers in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) receive inadequate psychological support compared to mothers.
- Historical oversight in research and practice has marginalized paternal mental health in NICU settings.
- Paternal mental health significantly impacts infant development and family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature and identify limitations in psychological support for NICU fathers.
- To propose actionable strategies for enhancing psychological care for fathers in the NICU.
- To address the disparity in support between mothers and fathers in the NICU environment.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a narrative literature review.
- Summarized existing interventions for supporting NICU fathers.
- Analyzed interventions including emotional, educational, and social support, family-integrated care, and multi-component approaches.
Main Results:
- Few studies specifically examine interventions tailored to NICU fathers' unique needs.
- Limited research investigates differences in support needs and intervention responses between fathers and mothers.
- Current interventions show promise but face significant limitations in scope and specificity.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for increased focus on psychological support for fathers in the NICU.
- Future efforts must address system structures, policy, multidisciplinary training, and implementation protocols.
- Improving care for NICU fathers is essential for paternal mental health and infant outcomes.
Keywords:
caregiversfathersintegrated delivery of health caremental healthneonatal intensive care unitsnewborn infantpaternitypolicypsychological stresspsychosocial interventionMore Related Videos
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