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Paternal Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Emily E. Cameron

    (Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada)

  • Kayla M. Joyce

    (Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
    Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N4, Canada)

  • Kathryn Hatherly

    (Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
    School of Communications Science and Disorders, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada)

  • Leslie E. Roos

    (Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
    Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, 840 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
    Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 715 McDermont Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the lives of families worldwide. Findings suggest a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health. Yet, much less is known about the impact of COVID-19 on paternal mental health. This study describes depression and anxiety and risk and protective factors among fathers of young children largely residing in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fathers ( N = 70) of children 0 to 8 years old self-reported depression (EPDS, CESD, CESD-R) and anxiety (PASS, GAD-7) symptoms, while mothers ( N = 236) provided reports of paternal depressive symptoms using the EPDS-P. Fathers evidenced clinically significant depression (37.1%) and anxiety (22.9%). Linear regression models with significant bivariate correlates indicated that depressive symptoms were associated with a mental health history and experiencing recent stressful events in the past month, while anxiety symptoms were related to mental health history over and above other correlates. Mother-reported paternal depression was prevalent (61.9%) and associated with lower mother-reported marital quality and higher maternal depressive symptoms. Of the fathers reporting clinically significant mental health concerns, less than one-third reported accessing mental health services. Paternal depression and anxiety symptoms were elevated during the pandemic, when compared to pre-pandemic comparisons. The risk and protective factors for paternal depression and anxiety included mental health history, recent stressful events, maternal marital quality, and maternal depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies evaluating the persistent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paternal mental health are needed to inform continued efforts to repair the pandemic’s impact on family wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily E. Cameron & Kayla M. Joyce & Kathryn Hatherly & Leslie E. Roos, 2025. "Paternal Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(1), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:1:p:124-:d:1570590
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. R Nicholas Carleton & Michel A Thibodeau & Michelle J N Teale & Patrick G Welch & Murray P Abrams & Thomas Robinson & Gordon J G Asmundson, 2013. "The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale: A Review with a Theoretical and Empirical Examination of Item Content and Factor Structure," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(3), pages 1-11, March.
    2. Pakula, B. & Shoveller, J. & Ratner, P.A. & Carpiano, R., 2016. "Prevalence and co-occurrence of heavy drinking and anxiety and mood disorders among gay, Lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual Canadians," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(6), pages 1042-1048.
    3. Emily E. Cameron & Kaeley M. Simpson & Shayna K. Pierce & Kailey E. Penner & Alanna Beyak & Irlanda Gomez & John-Michael Bowes & Kristin A. Reynolds & Lianne M. Tomfohr-Madsen & Leslie E. Roos, 2023. "Paternal Perinatal Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Framework Analysis of the Reddit Forum Predaddit," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-20, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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