We live in vastly different times to our parents. The choices available to us about whether we want children; when we want children; how we share work and home responsibilities with partners; and what the roles of father and mother entail are no longer straightforward. MAPP researchers are learning about how men adapt in this changing world, whatever the path they take.

Why study just men?

There are hundreds of studies from around the world that have investigated how women experience the transition to parenting. In comparison, very few have explored this important time of life for men. We now know that a father’s mental health is vitally important to his children and it is increasingly likely that traditional caregiving responsibilities are shared between parents. Understanding men’s mental health and wellbeing in relation to family life experiences is critically important for men, their families, partners, children or future children, social networks and workplaces.  

Our work is part of a worldwide move by researchers to deeply understand the transition to fatherhood and to build knowledge about mental health for men who do not become fathers. In Australia, the Federal Government has identified this as a critical area of research in the National Male Health Policy .

Who is conducting this research?

MAPP research is led by a team of experienced investigators of men and family life from the School of Psychology, the School of Health and Social Development, and the Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development at Deakin University. Our research is in collaboration with researchers from the Parent-Infant Research Institute at Austin Health, the Murdoch Children's Research Institute at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, and the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle. To learn more about our research team visit our Research Team page.

MAPP is a part of the Longitudinal Studies Network.

MAPP research is currently funded by a Central Research Grant provided by Deakin University.