Fathering in a Pandemic: Low-Income Black Fathers' Experiences and Mental Health Stressors

COVID-19 interventions disrupted family life, disproportionately affecting low-income Black fathers. Although family relationships are critical aspects of men's mental health and overall well-being, studies examining the effect of the pandemic from a Black fathering lens are sparse. This study explored Black fathers' experiences and adaptive responses to fathering during the pandemic, highlighting mental health consequences of their experience. Data was collected through interviews with Black fathers participating in a fatherhood-focused program in a Midwestern U.S. urban area. The average age of the participants was 33 years, half were unmarried (50%), most had one biological child (58%), many earned less than $10,000 USD annually (42%), and most had at least a high school degree (89%). Seventeen fathers (six in two focus groups and eleven individual interviews) were interviewed from February to July 2021. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Five themes were identified from the data. Men consistently valued their role as fathers despite enduring pandemic-related economic and familial stressors that impacted their involvement with their children. A primary adaptation in response to these multilevel stressors was surrendering to absence to protect their child(ren) from disease. Fathers felt that the isolation from their children, due in part to increased maternal gatekeeping, consequently heightened their psychological distress. This study provides valuable insight into Black fatherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that COVID-19 strained already difficult parenting relationships and constrained father engagement, creating mental health consequences for some Black fathers.