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Fatherhood and emotional illness
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Sibling rivalry in men significantly impacts emotional responses to their wives' pregnancies, influencing their transition to fatherhood more than other factors. This psychological dynamic is key to understanding male reactions to impending fatherhood.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Men's Mental Health
Background:
- Emotional illnesses in men during their partners' pregnancies are not uncommon.
- Previous theories focused on factors like envy of childbearing capacity or dependence on the wife.
Observation:
- Four cases are presented where men developed emotional illnesses linked to their wives' pregnancies.
- All patients had a history of significant sibling rivalry during formative life stages.
Findings:
- Sibling rivalry emerged as a more significant dynamic in understanding men's feelings about fatherhood.
- This contrasts with previously emphasized factors such as envy or neurotic conflicts.
Implications:
- Sibling rivalry is a crucial determinant in the psychological reactions of men experiencing neuroses related to fatherhood.
- Understanding this dynamic can inform therapeutic interventions for men facing paternal anxiety or illness.