PRESENTATION SESSION 1 - ENGAGEMENT OF FATHERS IN HEALTH SERVICES
A Qualitative Investigation of Barriers to Fathers Participation in Parenting Programs
Dr James Brown, UniSQ; Assoc Professor Erich Fein, UniSQ; Professor Sonja March, UniSQ; Professor Charlotte Brownlow, UniSQ
Background: Despite progression in gender equality, many mothers, especially those who also participate in paid employment, report to be bearing the burden of child rearing and shouldering the responsibility of seeking assistance for their children’s health and wellbeing. This is especially the case with parenting programs. Mothers tend to participate in parenting interventions at higher rates than fathers, even in intact relationships. Low involvement amongst fathers in parenting interventions for their children needs to be addressed, as evidence suggests that father involvement leads to increased positive benefits for children and parents that are maintained over time. Research to date on factors that may influence father involvement in parenting interventions has revealed mixed results. Further, there has been a paucity of research investigating how the interpersonal complexities of the coparents relate to father involvement in parenting interventions. Aims: This presentation will outline the results of a qualitative investigation of couples decision-making processes regarding attending a parenting program. Method: A qualitative method was devised using semi-structured interviews with twelve couples regarding a hypothetical dilemma of their participation in a parenting program. Results: Thematic analysis found factors consistent with the literature such as design and delivery methods. Fathers’ employment was commonly noted as an impediment to their participation. Of particular importance, it was found that fathers colluded with mothers taking a lead parental role, with most couples deciding that the mother would attend. Couples reasoning commonly indicated that this collusion was based on the notion of maternal essentialism. Implications: A better comprehension of coparents’ relationship factors will inform service providers, program designers and policy makers in the design, recruitment and delivery of parenting interventions that will facilitate increased father involvement. Recommendations are made to improve the engagement of fathers in parenting programs and contribute to better coparenting equality generally in Australian families.
Exploring the role of fathers in the neonatal intensive care units
Vincent Mancini, Telethon Kids Institute/University of Western Australia/The Fathering Project; Tobias Strunk, King Edward Memorial Hospital; Gillian Brodie, King Edward Memorial Hospital; Clare Dimer, King Edward Memorial Hospital; Tony Rush, King Edward Memorial Hospital; Mary Sharp, King Edward Memorial Hospital; Gayatri Jape, King Edward Memorial Hospital
Background & Aims: Nearly 1 in every 5 Australian babies will be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A NICU admission increases the risk of developing a postnatal mental health condition among mothers and fathers. However, routine screening and support for mental health difficulties are not yet widely available, potentially compromising family functioning and vital father-infant attachment relationships. The aim of this research was to investigate the experiences and preferences for support for NICU fathers. Methods: My recently published review of the literature described the process of how fathers support the health and development of their NICU infant. We have currently finished recruitment of a recent cohort of NICU fathers (N ≈ 50) in Western Australia and are in the midst of recruiting a national sample (N ≈ 36) who have provided qualitative and quantitative insights into their experiences as a NICU father, including ideas for targeted delivery of support, and also words of wisdom they would like to impart to other NICU fathers. Results: Preliminary results revealed some interesting consistencies across NICU fathers’ perceptions of limited support opportunities available to them at Australian birthing hospitals. Participating fathers also valued the prospect of a peer-led component to receiving support, and for educational materials about how they can care and support their babies and families whilst in the NICU. Conclusions and Implications: With family-integrated care identified as the gold standard treatment for NICU babies, fathers remain poorly integrated into this model. The results of this research offer nuanced insights into fathers’ experiences in the NICU whilst simultaneously offering pragmatic and consumer-driven strategies about how these fathers – and their families – can be best supported.
Talking to Dads – Getting the Language Right
Alison Peipers, Plus Paternal Project Lead, Healthy Male; Associate Professor Jacqui Macdonald, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University
Background & Aims: New parents potentially interact with many health professionals across a range of reproductive and perinatal health services. These interactions, positive or negative, can be highly influential in shaping parents’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours. Healthy Male, working with the national Plus Paternal Network, identified communication and language as modifiable components of father-inclusive practice that may be supported to improve fathers’ experiences of the health system.
Our aim was to develop recommendations and associated resources and communication materials to assist health professionals to better-engage with fathers. Description: The resources created for this project will be presented: an online resource, an online learning module, a background paper, and promotional materials. We will describe the connections between the chosen theories, recommendations and resources and how we envisage they will help to promote father-inclusive communication and challenge language that reinforces traditional gendered norms. Method: We undertook a 3-stage process: First, to deepen our understanding of how language is used with, and received by fathers, we reviewed theoretical frameworks to identify core theories relevant to communication and interpersonal engagement with fathers. Second, drawing on the central principles of the selected theories, we drafted recommendations and associated strategies to guide positive interactions between health professionals and fathers. These were refined through multiple phases of consultation. Third, we developed a suite of practical resources for health professionals. Impact: This project showcases a non-traditional approach to research translation. An examination of established evidence-supported theories proved to be an effective method of informing resource development, and useful when resources were not available to conduct a systematic literature review. The project is an example of a cross-organisational, multidisciplinary partnership that achieved research translation. Although fathers were our focus, the implications for communication are likely to be relevant to all non-birthing parents, regardless of their gender.Australian males preceding fatherhood: Paternal preconception health, treatments, and health services utilization in Australia
Tristan Carter, University of Technology Sydney [UTS]; Danielle Schoenaker, University of Southampton; Jon Adams, University of Technology Sydney [UTS]; Amie Steel, University of Technology Sydney [UTS]
Background & Aims: Frontline preconception care interventions predominately focus on pregnancy planning and preconception health behaviours of women, despite male partner preconception health also influencing outcomes. There is a need to explore paternal preconception health and health service utilization in Australia to inform targeted preconception health interventions for male reproductive partners. Method: An 241-item online cross-sectional survey of 2,569 adults (aged 18 and over) describing participants’ self-reported health status, current treatments, and the outcomes of the health services used in the previous 12 months. A data subset of respondents who were male, aged 18 years and over and whose partner was not currently pregnant were analysed to compare the health and health service use of males who identified as ‘currently attempting pregnancy’, ‘planning pregnancy in the next 12 months’ and ‘not attempting or planning pregnancy’. Differences between subgroups were determined using chi square tests and effect size measured utilizing Cramer’s V for all variables of interest. Results: 1,081 participants were included in the analysis (currently attempting pregnancy, n=36; planning pregnancy in the next 12 months,n=66; not attempting or planning pregnancy,n=979). A strong association was identified between planning a pregnancy and age (V=0.279;P=<0.001) and consulting either a massage therapist (V=0.178;P=<0.001) or primary care complementary medicine practitioner (V=0.210;P=<0.001). Participants who were currently attempting pregnancy were found to be strongly associated with migraine diagnosis in the previous three years (V=0.157;P=<0.001), and use western herbal medicines (V=0.278;P=0.05) or yoga practice (V=0.313;P=0.01) recommended by a general practitioner. Conclusion & Implications: There are differences in self-reported health status and health service use among males according to their stage in pregnancy planning. Future interventions focused on male preconception health should be developed with such differences in mind.
PRESENTATION SESSION 2 - DIVERSITY IN FATHERS AND FAMILIES
Maintaining father-child relationships using video visitation in Australian prisons
Natalia Hanley, University of Wollongong; Elisabeth Duursma, Western Sydney University/University of Wollongong; Amy Conley Wright, University of Sydney; Helen Simpson, University of Wollongong
Background: The number of adult prisoners in Australia is currently around 41,000, with males (93%) making up the large majority of the Australian prison population (ABS, 2022). Around half of the men in prison are estimated to be parents (AIHW, 2015). Family visitation can help prisoners to cope with separation (Casey-Acevedo & Bakken, 2002), may improve family relationships and prisoner mental health, and appears to result in less disruptive behaviour in prison (e.g., De Claire & Dixon, 2017; Duwe & Clark, 2011; McLeod & Bonsu, 2018; Shlafer & Poehlmann, 2010). The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a temporary cessation of in-person visitation between people in prison and their loved ones. Video-visitation was quickly implemented by corrective services in most Australian states and territories, providing a unique opportunity to explore the potential benefits of video visitation. Aims: This study looked at the experiences and perspectives of fathers in prison with video visitation and the impact on their relationship with their children. Method: Twenty-seven fathers (11 Aboriginal, 4 CALD) from two publicly operated prisons in NSW were interviewed and asked about their experiences with video visitation. Results: There was a broad consensus amongst fathers that video visits had a positive impact on the quality and maintenance of the relationships they had with their children. Unlike in-person visits, during a video visit the child could show, and in turn the father was able to see, the spaces the child inhabits, their toys, pets, awards, and other meaningful items. Fathers stressed how important it was for children to see their father. Particularly for young children, video visits enabled some engagement with their father, including pre-verbal infants, who could recognise their father. Conclusion: Although video-visits do not replace in-person visits, they play a significant role in maintaining a relationship between fathers in prison and their children.
“Google is my best friend”: Culturally and Linguistically diverse fathers’ experiences of accessing and receiving support in the perinatal period
Dr Rakime Elmir, Western Sydney University, Professor Virginia Schmied, Western Sydney University; Steven Kennedy, Founder Prepare; Dr Alka Kothari, The University of Queensland, Redcliffe Hospital
Background: In Western Societies fathers/partners are expected to be present at the birth of their child and provide support for their partners. Research demonstrates that fathers have a significant impact on maternal well-being. The challenges faced by fathers in the perinatal period can be even greater for fathers who are from CALD backgrounds particularly men who are recent migrants or refugees because the social and cultural expectations of fathers differ across cultures. The ability to seek support can be influenced by religion and culture including an understanding of gender roles, faith and socio-economic status. Aim: To explore the expectation and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) fathers seeking and receiving support in the perinatal period. Description: A qualitative methodology informed the study. Fourteen culturally and linguistically diverse fathers from NSW and QLD participated in telephone or video conferencing interviews and demographic data were obtained. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and emerging findings suggest access to support in the postnatal period is non-existent, unavailable or inaccessible. Many fathers googled information and preferred information that could hold and read. Fathers relied on support from family, friends and social support networks. Impact: While fathers found midwives and doctors supportive in terms of informational support, they also wanted to increase their own knowledge and be informed about where to access support. In an attempt to tailor support needs for fathers, resources need to be co-designed and developed with CALD fathers to address disparities in accessing information.
Adapting respectful relationships program for Chinese families: Applying a cultural lens to Baby Makes 3
Anita Thomas, healthAbility; Sebastian Ning, Baby Makes 3 Facilitator
Background/Aims: To adapt the Baby Makes 3 (BM3) group-based first-time parents’ program for Chinese families. Using a codesign approach, with New Life Community Care, Migrant Information Centre, Chinese Community Social Services Centre, Women’s Health East and the City of Whitehorse to ensure the program is accessible, culturally safe and relevant for parents, including fathers and other non-birthing parents. BM3 is an evidenced-based program to build gender equality (GE). healthAbility partners with MCH and community services with cultural expertise to deliver key messages (respectful and healthy relationships) through group-based programs and is committed to co-design approaches to adapting the program for diverse families. Description: Co-design approach;
1. Context - Consultation to identify project partners. 2. Partnership - Planning with partners to map stakeholders, current activity engaging first time parents for each community and identify leaders for adaptation process. 3. Adaption - Bicultural workers participated in BM3 facilitator training to build understanding of the model, tools and resources. A series of workshops were conducted with Chinese speaking facilitators to adapt the tools and resources and included the program being renamed ‘Building Strong Families’ to be more engaging for local families. 4.Trialling – A program was delivered by bilingual facilitators in Mandarin with six families participating. Impact: Consultation with community identified BM3 principles and messages were relevant however the program name, resources, images and language used needed adaptation for relevance and cultural safety. Programs facilitated in language or by facilitator from the cultural group is critical, the role of extended family needs to be considered and flexibility about when and where the program is delivered is important. • Partnering with organisations with cultural expertise to guide and shape the co-design critical. • The co-design approach provides a framework that has been effective and has been replicated with other cultural groups. • Group program models for first-time parents need to reflect the diversity of families.Dads and deployment: Rebuilding father-child relationships after military separations
Alixandra Risi, University of Wollongong; Dr Judy Pickard, University of Wollongong; Dr Amy Bird, University of Auckland
Background/aims: Over 40% of military service members in Australia and internationally are parents, most of them fathers. Military fathers often experience repeated separations from their children and are faced with having to rebuild their relationship with their child/ren and readjust to family life after each separation. Despite an abundance of evidence-based parenting programs in the civilian world, there is a lack of empirically supported interventions tailored for military fathers of young children. This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel intervention for military fathers and their families reintegrating after deployment. Method: In this single case design study, an Australian Defence Force father, his spouse, and 4-year-old son participated in the Coaching and Parent Emotion Support (CaPES) program. This 12-week program aims to improve the quality of parent-child relationships by integrating emotion and behavioural regulation principles, within an intensive, dyadic, coaching-based delivery format. Three types of outcomes were assessed pre-, post- and throughout the intervention via observational and self-report measures: (a) parenting and parent-child relationship; (b) parent mental health and wellbeing; and (c) child emotions and behaviour. Results: From pre- to post-intervention, the quality of the parent-child relationship for both the military father and civilian mother improved. Both parents reported reductions in depression, stress, and emotion regulation difficulties as well as improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, and reflective functioning capacities following treatment. Improved child emotional and behavioural functioning after participating in CaPES was also reported. Conclusion/implications: The results offer preliminary evidence of the efficacy of CaPES as an intervention to support military fathers and their families after deployment. Fathers are vital to their child’s development. Supporting military fathers to rebuild their relationship with their child is not only imperative for the child’s life-long functioning but may contribute to enhancing the resiliency and wellbeing of all members of a military family.
PRESENTATION SESSION 3 - FATHERS' WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH
Suicidality and self-harm during pregnancy and early fatherhood: A systematic review
Alison Fogarty, MCRI; Grace McMahon, MCRI; Monique Seymour, Deakin University; Maddy Schulz, MCRI; Casey Hosking, MCRI; Helen Findley, MCRI; Rebecca Giallo, Deakin University
Background & Aims: The Australian National Men’s Health Strategy highlights that the transition to parenthood can be a time of increased stress for some men, heightening their risk of mental health difficulties. While there is emerging evidence about experiences of depression and anxiety in men during pregnancy and the early parenting period, little is currently known about the risk of suicidality, including suicidal and/or self-harm ideation and behaviour, for men during this important time. The current study aims to systematically review and synthesise the literature reporting on the prevalence, severity and frequency of suicidal and/or self-harm ideation and/or behaviour in men during the antenatal and/or early parenting period (0-4 years). Methods: The databases PsychInfo, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched using key words relating to fathers, suicidality and self-harm, and the perinatal, early childhood period. The search yielded 4022 studies which were screened for inclusion. A total of 437 articles were identified as requiring a full text review. Of these, 15 articles met criteria for inclusion in the review. Results: Data from 15 articles relating to the prevalence of suicidality and/or self-harm will be synthesised using a narrative approach. Subgroup synthesis will occur to report on the overall prevalence and severity of suicidal and/or self-harm ideation and behaviours occurring within the perinatal period (pregnancy and 0-4 years postpartum). The review will report on suicidal and self-harm ideation/behaviours separately. Where possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Conclusions & Implications: This will be the first study to systematically review the literature on the prevalence of suicidality and self-harm in fathers during the perinatal to early parenting period (0-4 years). Findings will have strong implications for suicide prevention policy and interventions as well as the provision of preventative mental support for men during pregnancy and early fatherhood.
Pre-birth trauma-informed support: Listening to expectant fathers so that they can listen to their babies
Hanif Jaberipour, Australian Childhood Foundation
Background: There is an implicit assumption among many prospective fathers that communication with babies starts after birth. Particularly in families where trauma has compromised their reflective capacity, expectant dads seem to be less prepared to communicate with a baby they can not physically see. This is while robust evidence shows that starting from conception, the foetus is actively responding to changes in the environment, using cues provided by the parent’s physical and mental state to predict the kind of world they will be born into and altering their bodily structures accordingly. Hence the fathers’ ability to listen to their baby and communicate with them from early stages of their partners’ pregnancy can have a great impact on the health and wellbeing outcomes for the child in later life. Description: Based on three decades of therapeutic work with families affected by trauma, the Australian Childhood Foundation has designed several empirical ideas for facilitating conversations and activities to support expectant parents/carers to effectively communicate with their babies from the early days of pregnancy. This presentation will discuss our mindful, respectful and reflective approach to supporting families affected by trauma and will clarify the philosophy that empowers facilitators in working with expectant fathers. This will be followed by sharing some of the experiential ideas and activities that can increase reflective capacity in fathers and will conclude by facilitating an experiential activity to empirically demonstrate how to help facilitators to listen to expectant fathers so that they can listen in turn to their babies.
Impact: It is often surprising for the adults present in a baby’s life to know that the foundations of the baby’s nervous system start to develop as early as 16 days after conception. Around two weeks later, when the baby is smaller than a blueberry, brain neurons are already growing at an astounding rate - 250,000 per minute. In our pre-natal work with parents, expectant fathers have shown great awe in knowing that babies can hear their voice as early as 16th week and less than three months later, they can recognise their dad’s voices and react to them. Sharing this kind of information in an interactive way, can grow enthusiasm in expectant fathers towards activities and exercises that cultivate virtues of effective communication with their babies.Focus on New Fathers: Evaluation of a NSW pilot of a novel digital screening and referral solution for identifying perinatal fathers at risk of poor mental health
Catherine Wade, Parenting Research Centre; Faye Forbes, Parenting Research Centre; Ha Le, Deakin University; Jan Matthews, Parenting Research Centre; Fiona May, Parenting Research Centre; Elisabeth Murphy, Ministry of Health, NSW; April Deering, Ministry of Health; Clare Schnelle, Ministry of Health
Aim/Purpose: The recent pilot of the ‘Focus on New Fathers’ program in four Local Health Districts in NSW aimed to address gaps in existing service infrastructure by adopting a digital universal mental health screening strategy for perinatal fathers. Background/Context: The program used the father-focused text messaging program, SMS4dads, as an engagement and delivery platform to assist the screening, support and appropriate referral of perinatal fathers who were at risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Methods/Approach: This presentation will report on the findings from the mixed-method evaluation of the pilot, addressing evaluation questions regarding the reach, engagement, acceptability, cost and impact of the program. Findings: Focus on New Fathers was successful in filling a gap in perinatal screening and referral for fathers in NSW, with a high retention rate and strong endorsement of the approach by the majority of participating fathers and the professionals who support them. Results suggest a digital delivery mode may circumvent many of the systemic, family-level and individual barriers usually posed for father engagement in perinatal screening and parenting support. The program was less successful in removing barriers associated with men accepting referrals for mental health support, with many fathers still viewing help-seeking for mental health as only required for ‘crisis’ level concerns. Discussion/Conclusions: Despite ongoing barriers to the provision of appropriate supports for psychological distress for perinatal fathers, this evaluation provides evidence that digital screening modalities are successful in identifying men in need of mental health support at a cost that can be considered minimal in the face of costs to society of poor perinatal mental health. The presentation will conclude with implication for policy and practice.
Socioecological factors associated with postnatal depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms among a community sample of fathers enrolled in a coparenting intervention
Lucia Ritorto, MCRI; Rebecca Giallo, MCRI; Grace McMahon
Background and Objectives. Mental health difficulties are common among fathers in the postnatal period. To date, studies into fathers’ postnatal period have assessed general psychological distress or depression, with less attention given to symptoms of anxiety and stress. The current study aimed to investigate what proportion of fathers experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress during the first postpartum year. Drawing on socioecological models of health, this study also explored the associations of a range of individual and microsystemic characteristics that may contribute to poor mental health outcomes for fathers. Methods. Secondary data was used from a sample of 170 fathers who had children aged 0 to 12 months and were enrolled in a coparenting intervention. These data were analysed using multiple linear regression. Father’s psychological distress was evaluated at baseline using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Individual and microsystemic factors, such as parental self-efficacy, fathers’ age, number of children in the family, coparenting, interparental conflict, and infant regulation were assessed using validated scales. Results. Symptoms of stress were the most common (30.6%), followed by symptoms of depression (26.7%) and anxiety (16.5%). A range of individual and microsystemic factors were found to be significantly associated with depressive and stress symptoms, including parental self-efficacy, interparental conflict, and infant regulation. Conclusions. Findings confirm that fathers are at risk of mental health difficulties during their first year as parents, especially in the presence of certain individual, infant, and family characteristics. These findings may inform the development of programs for the prevention, early identification, and interventions of fathers at risk during this critical time.
The social predictors of paternal antenatal mental health and their associations with maternal mental health in the Queensland Family Cohort prospective study
Barnaby Dixson, School of Health, The University of the Sunshine Coast
Antenatal depression (AND) affects 1 in 10 fathers, potentially negatively impacting maternal mental health and well-being during and after the transition to parenthood. However, few studies have assessed the social predictors of paternal AND or their possible associations with maternal mental health. We analysed data from 180 couples participating in the Queensland Family Cohort longitudinal study. Both parents completed surveys measuring mental health, relationship quality, social support, and sleep quality at 24 weeks of pregnancy. Mothers also completed the same surveys 6 weeks’ postpartum. Antenatal depression, stress, and anxiety were highest among fathers reporting lower social support and higher sleep impairment. Maternal AND, stress, and anxiety were higher among mothers reporting higher physical pain and poor sleep quality. Postnatally, mothers reporting lower social support also reported higher depression, anxiety, stress, and psycho-social well-being. While there were no significant associations between AND among fathers and maternal antenatal or postnatal depression, an exploratory analysis revealed that mothers whose partners reported lower antenatal social support also reported lower postnatal social support and higher postnatal depression. Our findings highlight the importance of including data among fathers to achieve a whole family approach to well-being during the transition to parenthood.
PRESENTATION SESSION 4 - SUPPORTING CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Advanced Paternal Age And Offspring Bone Health; An Inverse Relationship
Mia A Percival Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Kara B Anderson Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Julie A Pasco Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, Melbourne Medical School- Western Campus, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sarah M Hosking, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Natalie K Hyde, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Background: Previous studies highlight that maternal lifestyle and health during pregnancy impact offspring health. For example, advanced maternal age has been associated with greater fracture risk and lower bone mineral density in offspring. Emerging evidence suggests an impact of paternal factors on offspring later life health; however, few human studies have been conducted. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate associations between paternal age (at childbirth) and offspring bone health. Methods: Data from the Vitamin D in Pregnancy study, a mother-child pair cohort study, were used to examine associations between paternal age and offspring bone health. In total, 174 of 402 offspring fathers had provided their date of birth and 89 children had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements at age 11 years. Linear regression models were developed to examine associations. Final models included the outcome of interest, paternal age, and offspring sex, height, weight and tanner stage at age 11 years. Results: Median fathers’ age was 32.2 years (IQR 29.4-36.7). In final models, advanced paternal age was associated with lower offspring spine bone mineral content (BMC) (coefficient -0.21g, 95% CI -0.37g to -0.056g, p=0.008), whole body bone mineral density (BMD) (-0.00237g/cm2, -0.00411g/cm2 to -0.000633g/cm2, p=0.008), whole body BMC (-6.67g, -11.12g to -2.01g, p=0.005) and spine BMD (-0.00313g/cm2, -0.00665g/cm2 to 0.000378g/cm2, p=0.080). Conclusions: In this cohort, advanced paternal age was associated with poorer bone outcomes in the offspring. Health professionals and prospective parents should consider the father’s age as poorer offspring bone health appears to be a consequence of advancing paternal age.
The ORIGINS Project: A platform for research discovery with expectant and new fathers
Lisa Gibson, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.; Desiree Silva,Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, Australia, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia; Jacqueline Davis, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Sarah Whalan, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia; Emily Segers,Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia; Bu Yeap, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia; Susan Prescott, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, Australia, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia, inVIVO Planetary Health, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA
Background & Aims: The ORIGINS Project is a 10-year collaborative initiative to establish an interventional birth cohort of 10,000 West Australian families. Within these families, there are currently 2,200 non-birthing partners, or fathers, that are contributing to the research. The overarching aim of ORIGINS is to improve the health of the next generation through improved pathways to optimise the early environment. ORIGINS provides a unique opportunity to help to understand the impact of paternal health and wellbeing on child development through the collection of data and biological samples on fathers from pregnancy until early childhood. Method: Families birthing at Joondalup Health Campus in Western Australia are eligible to participate in The ORIGINS Project. Comprehensive questionnaire data and biological samples are collected from participant families at multiple timepoints from pregnancy until the child turns five. Results: To date, ORIGINS has recruited over 8,000 families, and collected over 18 million data points and over 330,000 aliquots of biological samples in our databank and biobank respectively. Specifically for fathers, questionnaire data has been collected antenatally and at one-year and two-years in the following domains: Lifestyle behaviours (e.g., diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, illicit drug use), Employment and work patterns (e.g., FIFO); Wellbeing and mental health (e.g. Depression, Anxiety & Stress Scale, Stressful life events); Nature relatedness; Internet use; and Demographic information (e.g., education, income). In addition, blood samples (N=900) have also been collected from fathers antenatally to two-years and stored for analysis. Conclusion &/or Implications: The ORIGINS platform is a valuable resource that can enable local and international research examining the impact on paternal health and wellbeing on child development. The richness of the data collection in ORIGINS will provide unique and longitudinal insights into young families which can be used to provide pathways for prevention, early identification and treatment to ensure all children have the opportunity to flourish.
Flourishing in ORIGINS Fathers: physiological and psychological health trajectories of fathers from pregnancy to early childhood
Segers, E., Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia. Gibson, L., Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia., The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia., Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. Davies, J., Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia., The University of Western Australia, Perth, Curtin University, Perth, Australia. Prescott, S., Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia., The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia., Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, Australia., Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia., inVIVO Planetary Health, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA. D’Vaz, N., Yeap, B.B, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia., Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia. Silva, D., Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia Perth, Australia., The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia., Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, Australia., Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.
Background/aims: The health of fathers is poorly understood. Previous research shows that fathers have an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease and poorer mental health comparative to childless counterparts1, 2. The Flourishing in Fatherhood Project aims to deepen our understanding of father’s physical and emotional health, and understand the impact this has on their child/ren, and partners from pregnancy to early childhood. The Project consists of both observational and interventional arms, with the observational arm aiming to understand how father’s health changes over time, and the interventional arm exploring the efficacy of diet-based interventions and healthcare referrals on improving father’s wellbeing. Description: The ORIGINS Project is a West Australian birthing cohort with >13,000,000 data points and >256,000 biological samples from >8,305 participants. The Flourishing in Fatherhood Project (an ORIGINS sub-project) seeks to recruit 1,000 ORIGINS fathers. Participants will attend multiple clinical appointments from the antenatal period to when the child turns seven. Data on father’s hormones, cardiometabolic risk, psychosocial wellbeing, health behaviours and mental health will be collected. Fathers will be provided feedback on these results, with appropriate recommendations. Select fathers will be randomised to a diet-based intervention group, where their progress will be compared to control group given standard weight-loss guidelines. Impact: The health of fathers impacts the health of their children, and partners. In pursuit of understanding the rising rates of non-communicable disease, inclusion of the paternal perspective provides half of an incomplete equation on child development. Identifying and describing father’s health and wellbeing across the early years will inform strategic points of intervention, allowing for evidence-informed policy and preventative practices. Broadly, the findings from the Flourishing in Fatherhood Project are intended to promote greater inclusion of fathers into antenatal care schedules, while gaining an understanding on how best to improve the health of fathers over the long term.
The fundamental role of fathers in early childhood obesity prevention: a review and development of the co-parent model
Vanessa Shrewsbury*, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia, & Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; Konsita Kuswara*, The Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (CRE EPOCH-Translate), Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006; Jacqui MacDonald, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia, & Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia, & Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Alexandra Chung, Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Briony Hill, Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia. *Co-first authors
Background & Aims: The first 2000 days, from conception to age 5 years, is critical for childhood obesity prevention. Fathers remain under-represented in childhood obesity research and interventions, despite growing evidence that paternal behaviours are implicated in offspring health from preconception and throughout the lifecourse. Informed by scientific literature, we developed the CO-Parent (Childhood-Obesity-Parent) conceptual model to describe the contributions of maternal and paternal weight-related behaviours (diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep) and wellbeing in the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum (PPP) periods on their offspring’s corresponding behaviours and weight up to age five years. Method: The CO-Parent conceptual model is underpinned by couple interdependence theory and the Social Ecological Model of Health. A literature search, using systematic methods, identified evidence for independent and interdependent effects of maternal and paternal weight-related behaviours on each other, and on offspring weight and weight-related behaviours across PPP. The highest quality evidence available was synthesised to support model development. Results: Evidence on the influence of fathers on child obesity risk is available, but sparser compared with the evidence around mothers. There is also limited evidence on the interdependence of mother-father behaviours in shaping child weight-related behaviours and outcomes. Public policy, social, environmental, economic, community, and complex mediating factors are acknowledged as important contributors to the effects identified in the model. Conclusion & Implications: CO-Parent is the first conceptual model to empirically present fathers’ influence on both mother and child specifically across PPP, thus emphasising the fundamental, not optional, role of fathers in childhood obesity prevention. The CO-Parent model provides a platform for better understanding the role of fathers - independently and interdependently with mothers - in the development of child obesity. The model can be used to guide thinking and research toward more effective and sustainable whole-of-family focused childhood obesity prevention interventions.
PRESENTATION SESSION 5 - FATHER-FOCUSED INTERVENTIONS AND RESOURCES
Interventions with fathers to prevent or reduce partner violence against women during pregnancy and early parenthood: what works?
Karen Wynter, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University; Lauren Francis, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University; Ashlee Borgvist, Safe Relationships and Communities Research Group, University of South Australia; Barnaby Dixson, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast; Levita D’Souza, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University; Elisabeth Duursma, School of Education, University of Wollongong; Chris May, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle; Louisa Sher, Library, Deakin University; Jennifer StGeorge; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle
Background/Aim: Approximately 25% of women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and early parenthood, with devastating impacts on family relationships, women’s health and children’s health and development. Engaging men in prevention and treatment of IPV may be particularly effective during the perinatal period when men are motivated to change their behaviour. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of father-inclusive interventions to prevent or reduce IPV during pregnancy and early parenthood. Methods: Six databases were searched, using a combination of the concepts “fathers”, “pregnancy/early parenthood”, “IPV” and “intervention”. Articles were double screened by title and abstract, and then full-text. Methodological and reporting quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Results: The search yielded 11,795 unique records. Title and abstract screening resulted in 132 articles for full-text review; 24 were eligible for inclusion. The articles were of poor to moderate quality. Approximately half of the articles reported on interventions in resource-constrained settings. The most common forms of IPV assessed were physical (15), psychological (9), sexual (8) and economic/financial (5). Of 18 articles reporting on robust designs with a control group, only 8 presented analysis adjusted for appropriate variables. Eleven reported statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups; for 7, effects were sustained over time. Effective interventions mostly targeted couples (combined or separate sessions) rather than only men. Most were underpinned by theoretical frameworks for transforming gender norms or improving family relationships. Discussion/Conclusion: The perinatal period is an important opportunity to address men’s violent behaviours towards their intimate partners; however, few studies have reported on father-inclusive interventions and even fewer report robust designs and analysis. Interventions based on principles that address gender norms or family relationships, and that include both women and men, show promise and should be further investigated.
Engaging Fathers using a Perinatal Integrated Model of Care (PIMC)
Thomas Docking, Dads Group; Nicolas Stevens, University of the Sunshine Coast; Helen Funk, Queensland Health; Karen Lust, Queensland Health; Alka Kothari, University of Queensland
The perinatal period is a critical time for both mothers and fathers as they transition into parenthood. However, existing support systems focus predominantly on mothers, leaving fathers feeling disengaged and unsupported. In this presentation, we discuss the implementation and evaluation of the Perinatal Integrated Model of Care (PIMC) by Dads Group, an organization dedicated to supporting fathers and families during this crucial period. The PIMC integrates hospital, digital, and community programs to provide fathers with comprehensive and meaningful support in the perinatal period. We present case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the PIMC in addressing key areas of concern for fathers, such as childhood development outcomes, family violence prevention, and suicide and mental ill-health prevention. Secondary evidence highlights the benefits of meaningfully engaging fathers in the perinatal period, which include improved maternal and paternal mental health, increased family cohesion, and better developmental outcomes for children. Primary evidence, gathered through surveys and interviews with participants, program delivery practitioners, and health care executives, provides insights into the strengths and areas for improvement within the PIMC.
We also discuss collaborative research work, such as USC 1 Community Program Surveys, Healthy Male's Hospital Program System Impacts Analysis, and Queensland Health Hospital & Community Program Surveys. Further collaborative research includes USC 2's examination of Dads Group program benefits and GBC's economic impact estimates. In conclusion, the PIMC has been successfully replicated in six sites, with a scheduled expansion to a seventh location. This evidence-based model is ready for scale-up and has the potential to transform the support available to fathers during the perinatal period. Further research, including a longitudinal study, could provide additional evidence to validate the lifetime benefit of the PIMC, leading to improved outcomes for fathers, mothers, families, and children.The Fathering Project: Changing Children’s Lives by Supporting and Empowering Fathers
Rodney Eade, The Fathering Project; Kati Gapaillard, The Fathering Project; Bruce Robinson, The Fathering Project, University of Western Australia
Background/Aims: The Fathering Project is Australia’s largest non-for-profit, evidence-based organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school, and adolescent-aged children. The vision of the organisation is to transform children’s lives through improved fathering. By providing tools, resources and guidance to develop their parenting skills. In 2023, The Fathering Project turns 10 years old, and has continued to flourish because of increasing attention, involvement, and impact helping to attract new funding. The aim of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of The Fathering Project and to share a first-hand account of the transformational impact that tailored support for fathers can provide to men, children, and their families. Description: The Fathering Project provides Australian fathers with a comprehensive set of programs and resources. These span a broad variety of online resources (e.g., podcasts, videos, weekly newsletters), in-person events, Dads’ Groups and activities in schools, a corporate program to build father-inclusive workplaces, providing advocacy to governments and industry, and establishing community fathering hubs where intensive one-to-one support is delivered to dads who are experiencing disadvantage. Impact: In this current financial year alone, The Fathering Project has supported fathers across 416 Australian schools (over 219, 000 students), hosting 526 Dads groups, has trained more than 500 Dads’ Groups in the community, held over 225 events, and delivered corporate programs across organisations spanning both white and blue collar industries. Notwithstanding this reach, some of the most valuable indicators of success emerge from the intensive support delivered to fathers experiencing disadvantage, and how the community fathering programs can help to build resilience and growth among these fathers and their families.
Gidget Village Partners Support Group Program:‘Parenting in Partnership’ – A six-week program aimed at dads and non-birthing partners
Derek Ebbs, Gidget Foundation Australia
Background/Aims: Why: To create a space for dads and non-birthing partners to discuss the challenges of parenting, the impact of perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) on them and their partner; and the relationship changes that occur when a new baby arrives. Who: The group was open to dads and non-birthing partners who were expecting a baby, or have a baby aged up to 12 months, where either parent had a diagnosis of, or was at risk of developing PNDA and/or a trauma-related disorder. How: A six-week group online therapy program for Dads / non-birthing partners, themed around “Parenting in Partnership”. The group provided a safe space for participants to openly discuss issues unique to fathers and non-birthing partners. Utilising an experiential and interactive approach, group members were encouraged to explore pregnancy and early parenting experiences applicable to non-birthing partners. A combination of personal stories, psychoeducation and collective problem-solving provided both the psychosocial support and knowledge base necessary for change. Impact: • 100% of Fathers felt comfortable sharing their experiences in a safe place. • 83% of Fathers reported improved understanding of their parenting experience and the role their own attachment style plays in this. • 83% of Fathers reported improved understanding of their partner’s experience of PNDA and felt better able to support them. • 100% of participants would recommend this program to other Dads and non-birthing partners. Clinical Observations for further research: Dads / non-birthing partners report feeling the need to fix or control situations in order to manage their own mood and anxiety. Understanding the role this plays in their PNDA, and whether it is a factor which contributes to their partner’s PNDA warrants further investigation.
Exploring fathers’ support needs and preferred sources of breastfeeding information
Kidane Gebremariam, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; Jonathan Rawstorn; Miaobing Zheng; Karen Wynter; Elizabeth Denney-Wilson; Rachel Laws
Background: Breastfeeding is the optimal way of providing the required nutrients for healthy growth and development of infants. Evidence showed that fathers are the most important sources of support for breastfeeding mothers. However, little is known about what breastfeeding topics fathers need to learn and how best to engage and provide breastfeeding information. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore fathers support needs on breastfeeding and preferred source of information. Methods: A structured survey with three section 1) 26 breastfeeding topics; 2) sources of breastfeeding information; and 3) demographic variables was developed on Qualtrics. Participants were recruited using convenient sampling technique between 16 Sept 2022 and 11 Nov 2022, through online Facebook advertising. We included expectant and current dads aged 18 years or older, living in Australia, and who have sufficient English reading ability. Result: The Facebook add reached 145,569 targets and 671 dads clicked the link. A total of 289 dads started the online survey and 174 completed it. Majority of the study participants were, 132 (75%) aged 30-39 year, 129 (74%) current dads, 138 (79%) born in Australia, and 121 (69%) completed University education. What to expect in the first week, how to work with your partner to overcome breastfeeding challenges, how fathers/partners can be involved with their breastfed baby, the type of support fathers/partners can provide to breastfeeding mothers, and knowing if baby is getting enough milk were the top five rated breastfeeding topics that dads wanted to learn. Majority, 140 (80%) of dads indicated their interest to received breastfeeding information via mobile app. Conclusion: The study informed a prototype of mHealth app by providing the most important breastfeeding topics for dads. Mobile health appears to be among the most preferred way to provide breastfeeding resources to dads. This study showed that social media appears to be an option for future studies to recruit dads.
PRESENTATION SESSION 6 - FATHERS' EXPERIENCES OF BEING A PARENT
‘A big personal ambition is to be a good father’: Fathers’ accounts of their attachment parenting practices
Dr Levita D'Souza, Monash University; Dr Ashlee Borgkvist, University of South Australia
Background & Aims: Attachment Parenting is a parenting philosophy centred around engaging in behaviours that keep the child in proximity in order to foster a secure attachment. Parenting practices such as breastfeeding on demand often extending into toddlerhood, co-sleeping, baby-wearing and gentle discipline is believed to foster a secure attachment. Much of the limited research around Attachment Parenting has focused on and given voice to mothers, while very little research has been carried out exploring fathers’ perspectives on and engagement with Attachment Parenting. Method: Fathers with children aged zero to five were interviewed about their engagement with Attachment Parenting practices. Fathers were asked about any benefits and/or barriers to Attachment Parenting, and discussed their lived experiences engaging in Attachment Parenting practices. Eleven fathers participated in interviews, and the data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: The results of the analysis demonstrated a marked tension in fathers experiences of engagement with Attachment Parenting practices. Many fathers reported Attachment Parenting as instinctual to them, and saw benefits of Attachment Parenting, including the development of strong emotional connections with their children, which they hoped would lead to trusting relationships later in their lives. Fathers expressed a desire to spend more time with their children to build these bonds. However, involvement in paid work presented a noticeable barrier to fathers’ engagement in these practices, and there was an awareness of conflict with others expectations of their familial roles as well as external judgement in how they parented. Conclusion &/or Implications: Fathers’ desire to engage in Attachment Parenting practices indicates a conscious awareness of their role in children’s emotional development and connection building. More support is needed to enable fathers to engage in practices that promote closeness and offer an opportunity for connection with their child.
Intention to co-sleep and perceived sleep quality in father-child co-sleeping arrangements
Elina Makela, Monash University; Dr Levita D'Souza, Monash University
Background and Aims: It is increasingly acknowledged that children are intentionally or reactively placed in their parents’ beds to sleep (Young & Shipstone, 2018). However, the role of fathers in determining the reasons for family sleeping arrangements has been overlooked (Sadeh et al., 2007). As such, this mixed methods study aimed to investigate fathers’ experience of co-sleeping, specifically related to their perceived sleep quality and their reasons for their child’s sleep location. Methods: An online questionnaire that utilised items from the Sleep Practices Questionnaire (Keller & Goldberg, 2004) and Sleep Quality Scale (Yi et al., 2006) was advertised through an anonymous link shared with populations considered likely to complete the questionnaire (co-sleeping and fathers’ groups on Facebook, gentle parenting groups etc.). 150 fathers participated in the online survey. Fathers predominantly identified as Australian, followed by North American, and Indian. A one-way between-groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) (for intention and perceived sleep quality) and Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: The quantitative analysis found that fathers whose children were sleeping where planned (intended) had significantly better-perceived sleep quality than fathers whose children were sleeping in an unplanned location (unintended). A thematic analysis of the extended response questions indicated themes related to reasons fathers engaged in co-sleeping. Conclusion and Implications: The results showed fathers have similar reasons to mothers in previous co-sleeping research (Ward, 2015). However, fathers also offered some unique reasons for their child’s sleep locations that have not previously reported by mothers. Future studies investigating fathers and co-sleeping should examine the impact of intentionality on the reasons for child sleep location. The findings will enable clinicians to tailor infant sleep related information and advice in a culturally inclusive and sensitive manner.
Exploring men’s experiences with paid parental leave policies in Australia
Lily Lewington, Griffith University; Bernadette Sebar, Griffith University; Jessica Lee, Griffith University
Background & Aims: This PhD research project aims to explore men’s experiences with paid parental leave policies in Australia. Fatherhood is recognised as a significant and challenging time for men. Research shows that men struggle with the competing expectations of being an involved father and an ideal worker which impacts negatively on their health. One public policy strategy to overcome these issues is the implementation of parental leave policy specifically for fathers. However, fathers are less likely to take parental leave compared to mothers as they are often viewed negatively when they do so. The expectation that fathers are primarily breadwinners and secondary care-givers remains powerful in Australia. These gendered expectations create conflict in the experiences of fathers when navigating through their roles and identity. The changing role and expectations of men and fathers leads to struggling with identity, which has been found to negatively impact men. An increase in the implementation of paid parental leave policies has been a strategy used to overcome this, however, men are not taking up the policies. Therefore, this research seeks to explore why this is occurring and to understand men’s experiences with paid parental leave in Australia, and what shapes their experiences. Method: This study will consist of a pluralist methodological approach to unpack the experiences of fathers with paid parental level schemes. Three methodological approaches will be employed: Critical Policy Analysis, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. Results: Preliminary findings from the Critical Policy Analysis and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis will be presented. Along with a detailed description of the methodological approaches. Conclusion &/or Implications: The overall findings from this research project have the potential to inform future policy and provide insight into the experiences of men when navigating fatherhood.
Associations between self-efficacy and health literacy among expectant and new fathers: findings from a global survey
Karen Wynter, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University; Vanessa Watkins, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University; Shane Kavanagh, School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University; Sarah Hosking, Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation; Bodil Rasmussen, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University; Helle Terkildsen Maindal, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Jacqui Macdonald, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University
Background and Aim: Paternal self-efficacy, i.e. expectations for successful coping in fatherhood, plays an important role in father-child relationships. Understanding fathers’ health literacy levels may inform health services’ ability to meet their needs and improve family health during the transition to parenthood; however, associations between paternal self-efficacy and health literacy have not yet been investigated. The aim was to examine associations between paternal self-efficacy and health literacy. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Fathers were recruited through an international paid online survey platform. The survey included socio-demographic and health characteristics, the 9 scales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and the Efficacy subscale of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Associations between self-efficacy and socio-demographic and health variables and HLQ scale scores were investigated first univariately using Mann-Whitney U-tests, Kruskal Wallis tests and Spearman’s ρ and subsequently using linear regression. Results: Surveys were completed by 725 fathers. Respondents primarily resided in USA (31%), UK (27%) and South Africa (18%). Higher paternal self-efficacy scores were univariately significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher parity, better physical and mental health, higher education levels, residing in the US or South Africa compared to the UK or other countries, and all HLQ scale scores. The following variables made significant, independent contributions (p<0.05) to self-efficacy scores in the linear regression model: having ≥2 children (compared to one), better mental health, higher education level, and scores on two HLQ scales: Actively managing health and Social support. Discussion and Conclusion: Supporting fathers to actively manage their own health during the transition to parenthood may contribute to improved self-efficacy, with benefits for the whole family. Health professionals should be particularly aware of first-time fathers and those with lower education levels or symptoms of poor mental health.
From Pain to Perception: Negative Parenting Experiences in Childhood and their impact on Beliefs about the Father’s Role
Amy Hofmeier, Unversity of Wollongong, Dr Judy Pickard, University of Wollongong, A/Prof Jane Herbert, Unversity of Wollongong
Background/Aims: Beliefs about the father’s role are known to impact fathering behaviours, though little is known about how these beliefs develop. The present study explored the association between Australian adults’ beliefs about the father’s role and negative experiences of being parented in childhood. The impact of these negative parenting behaviours on well-being in adulthood were also examined in order to identify which paternal behaviours are related to social emotional development. Method: A convenience sample of 76 adults aged 18 to 58 years (M = 27.66, SD = 9.26, 73% female) completed in an online survey about their childhood experiences of being parented, current well-being and their beliefs regarding the father’s role/impact. Participants were mostly single (56%), Caucasian (77%), non-religious (63%), university educated (63%) and childless (81%). Results: Participants identified the importance of paternal involvement in caregiving and that fathers could be sensitive and responsive. Beliefs about the father’s role were not related to any demographic variables (e.g., age, gender) or well-being outcomes. However, reports of childhood paternal abuse were associated with less support for father’s sensitivity and involvement in caregiving. Reports of maternal abuse and indifference were also negatively related to beliefs but only neared significance. Further, reports of negative parenting behaviours in childhood (e.g., overcontrol, abuse, indifference) were related to greater current depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Conclusion/Implications: Beliefs about the father’s role appear to develop at least in part through childhood experiences of being parented. The current findings provide support for the Social Role theory and may contribute to our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of parenting. Further, these results emphasise the enduring impacts of parent behaviour on child social-emotional development, even into adulthood. Future research is needed to explore how these beliefs might change over time and to identify fathering behaviours that promote optimal social-emotional development.
Development of a Brief Coparenting Measure: The Coparenting Competence Scale
Chris D May (Corresponding author), University of Newcastle; Codie Atherton, University of Newcastle; Kim Colyvas, University of Newcastle; Vincent Mancini, Curtin University; Linda E Campbell, University of Newcastle
Background/Aims: Coparenting competence (CC) is a concept that describes the sense of collective efficacy that parents experience in raising children. An advantage of CC is that it bridges a gap between family systems thinking and efficacy theory, where extant research and theory have focused on the self-efficacy of one or either parent. This study aimed to develop a self-report measure of CC. Description: Participants (N=302), including cohabiting mothers (n=240) and fathers (n=62) completed an online survey (112 items) comprising demographic questions, the Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS), the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and 36 items designed to explore perceptions of CC.
Results: Factor analyses on 36-CC items identified 10 items that reliably formed a brief Coparenting Competence Scale (CCS; Alpha=.89). Analysis of convergent and divergent validity demonstrated that the CCS measures a unique construct that is linked to parenting self-efficacy, measured by PSOC (r=.47) and coparenting quality, assessed by the CRS (r=.63). There was a significant association between CCS and SDQ, across age groups, an association stronger than that found for the CRS and SDQ in the current cohort. Conclusions and Implications: Impact: The study found support for the reliability and validity of the CCS. Coparenting competence, assessed by the CCS, was found to be distinct from factors previously used to represent coparenting quality in multivariate scales. The strength of associations between the CCS and SDQ suggest this new measure may have an important role in coparenting research.Three waves of data about the parenting experiences of Victorian fathers, 2016-2022
Catherine Wade, Parenting Research Centre; Jan Matthews, Parenting Research Centre; Mandy Kienhuis, Parenting Research Centre; Faye Forbes, Parenting Research Centre
Background & Aims: Findings from the first wave of the Parenting Today in Victoria study in 2016 identified areas where fathers and mothers differed in relation to help-seeking behaviours for parenting information or support. Fathers were also significantly less confident in their parenting compared with mothers. This presentation builds on published findings by focusing on the two most recent waves of the survey (2019 and 2022), with novel information about fathers’ parenting experiences, particularly in relation to their confidence managing child mental health challenges. Method: Conducted by the Parenting Research Centre every three years, each wave of the Parenting Today in Victoria survey uses CATI to collect rich data from a representative sample of 2600 Victorian parents of children age 0 to 18 years, including 40% deliberately over-sampled fathers. The surveys tap into a broad range of parenting experiences, including parent engagement with children’s learning, parent help-seeking, parent coping and support, and parenting practices. Results: While across the waves there are more similarities than differences when it comes to the parenting experiences of mothers and fathers, there was evidence that Victorian fathers are less confident identifying mental health problems in their children, and have lower levels of understanding of support options for children. Given continuing evidence about fathers’ reliance on their own independent research to locate supports for their parenting, these findings provide valuable insights which can guide the way we reach fathers and children in need of support. Conclusion and Implications: There is still much to do if we are to effectively support fathers in their parenting. Findings from the Parenting Today in Victoria study have important implications for services seeking to increase father engagement. Accessibility and relevance of parenting information is vital for ensuring current and future generations of dads have access to quality, evidence-informed parenting advice.
Distress on returning to work: First-time fathers’ experiences
Dr Suzanne Hodgson, Unitec-Te Pukenga
Background: Whilst research relating to men’s experiences of paternity leave and shared parental leave has increased over recent years, less is known about new fathers’ initial experiences on returning to work. In the UK context this can be after minimal parental leave, if any is taken at all. Overall, the literature indicates that men who are provided with the opportunity to take more parental leave are more likely to remain closely involved in caregiving roles. This presentation explores data from a UK based study whilst also drawing on international literature and policy contexts. It aims to understand the experiences of fathers when they return to work after the birth of their first child. Method: Constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted in this PhD study to explore transitions to fatherhood. Twelve first-time fathers shared their experiences of transitions to first time fatherhood by participating in audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews. Results: This paper focuses on fathers' experiences of negotiating the workplace as part of an overall theoretical framework related to broader transitions to fatherhood and sheds light on the distress, guilt and psychological challenges that participants experienced when they initially returned to work. Whether fathers did or did not overtly describe distress at this time, they all describe a change in the salience of their worker identity which for some participants led to uncertainty and a level of insecurity in the workplace. Conclusions & Implications: Men returning to work at this time in the postnatal period are vulnerable to experiencing distress and that flexibility and support in the workplace could be protective of their mental health. Current paternity leave provision in the UK is inadequate in supporting many contemporary fathers to be the co-parents they wish to be. Policy and practice developments are offered to support men’s transitions to fatherhood in the workplace context.