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Examining the Relationship between Paternal Mental Health and Informal Support Networks: Reflections on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi

    (York Business School, York St John University, York YO31 7EX, UK)

  • Amy Holmes

    (York Business School, York St John University, York YO31 7EX, UK)

Abstract

Paternal mental health remains an under-researched area in the UK. Consequently, father-focused formal and informal support provisions fail to address the complex emotional and psychological wellbeing needs of fathers. Drawing on data from twenty semi-structured interviews with fathers in the York area, this study seeks to better understand how access to and participation in informal support networks is influenced by gendered perceptions and the impact hegemonic perceptions of masculinity have on fathers’ access to support prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings demonstrate that fathers internalise stereotypical masculine tropes, such as stoicism, which prevent them from actively seeking support. While fathers value informal support network, they generally struggle to engage in mental health talks. The COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated fathers’ struggles to access informal support or prioritise their mental health. Fathers felt the pandemic presented a unique challenge that only people that became parents at the time understood. This meant that fathers could not rely on their parents or other parents who did not have similar experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims at challenging structural and cultural barriers that inhibit fathers’ participation in informal support networks, and to promote more meaningful, supportive engagement with peer groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi & Amy Holmes, 2022. "Examining the Relationship between Paternal Mental Health and Informal Support Networks: Reflections on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12751-:d:934111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antonio Bruno & Laura Celebre & Carmela Mento & Amelia Rizzo & Maria Catena Silvestri & Rosa De Stefano & Rocco Antonio Zoccali & Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello, 2020. "When Fathers Begin to Falter: A Comprehensive Review on Paternal Perinatal Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Sylvia Lindinger-Sternart, 2015. "Help-Seeking Behaviors of Men for Mental Health and the Impact of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 3(1), pages 1-6, January.
    3. Claudia Goldin & Joshua Mitchell, 2017. "The New Life Cycle of Women's Employment: Disappearing Humps, Sagging Middles, Expanding Tops," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 31(1), pages 161-182, Winter.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi & Amy Holmes, 2023. "Paternal Leave Entitlement and Workplace Culture: A Key Challenge to Paternal Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Nareerut Pudpong & Sataporn Julchoo & Pigunkaew Sinam & Sonvanee Uansri & Watinee Kunpeuk & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2023. "Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression among Parents of Primary School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand, 2022," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-12, April.

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