Children Affected by Father's Depression Likely to Face Behavioral Challenges: Research

New York, April 20 (NationPress) A group of researchers from Rutgers University in the United States has discovered that five-year-old children who experience paternal depression are at a higher risk of encountering behavioral problems in grade school.

In a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Kristine Schmitz, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), along with other researchers from RWJMS and Princeton and Rider universities, reported that children exposed to paternal depression upon entering kindergarten are significantly more likely to exhibit teacher-reported behavioral difficulties and poor social skills by age 9.

“It is essential to take into account depression in both parents, rather than focusing solely on mothers,” stated Schmitz. “Depression is manageable, and to assist the entire family, pediatricians should initiate conversations with fathers about it and create father-centered interventions that address their needs.”

On average, between 8% and 13% of fathers in the United States are impacted by some form of depression during the early years of their children's lives, with the prevalence rising to 50% when the mother is also suffering from postpartum depression.

Schmitz and her colleagues examined data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a national birth cohort that randomly sampled births in 20 major U.S. cities from 1998 to 2000. The study continues to follow participants' life changes.

Two critical data points from FFCWS were paramount to Schmitz’s evaluation: when the children were 5 years old, their fathers were screened for depressive symptoms in the previous year; and when the children reached 9 years, their teachers filled out a survey that included assessments of behavior.

“The transition into kindergarten is a significant developmental milestone, and challenges encountered during this period can lead to decreased engagement and behaviors in grade school that may persist or intensify through middle and high school,” the researchers noted.

By contrasting data from 1,422 fathers, the researchers established a clear correlation between paternal depression and child behavior.

For example, children whose fathers reported feelings of sadness, gloom, or depression at age 5 were, by age 9, much more likely to show signs of restlessness, defiance, and anger, as well as lower levels of cooperation and self-esteem.

Schmitz proposed several reasons for this association. For one, depression can hinder effective parenting and reduce emotional support for the child. It may also lead to conflicts or additional stress within the home environment.

While paternal depression is linked to challenging child behaviors, there is optimism. Early identification and intervention can enhance not only the well-being of fathers but also that of their children, Schmitz emphasized.