A new wave of research is challenging long-held assumptions about parental stress, revealing that fathers are experiencing deeper loneliness, greater overwhelm, and heavier emotional strain than mothers—a finding that carries profound significance for families in Thailand and around the world. According to two newly released nationwide surveys conducted in the United States, the emotional burdens shouldered by fathers have largely gone unnoticed, yet they are increasingly coming to the fore as societies reevaluate gender roles and family dynamics (eladelantado.com).
Father’s Day celebrations often bring to mind images of contented dads enjoying breakfast in bed or video calls with children living afar. However, once the festivities fade, a growing number of fathers retreat into solitude, grappling with emotions they rarely express. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center poll reports that two-thirds of American parents feel lonely “sometimes or frequently” due to daily responsibilities. Crucially, follow-up analysis reveals that dads are more likely than moms to rate their feelings of loneliness as frequent—even though they typically log fewer hours in hands-on child care than mothers.
These findings are echoed by a joint project from Parents magazine and Verywell Mind, which shows that 59% of fathers wish they felt “more seen,” and two in three described themselves as at least moderately stressed over the past month. The disparity points to a specific kind of paternal isolation—one that is less visible but increasingly pressing. This is not only an issue felt by Western fathers; as Thai society continues to modernize, the underlying forces that shape these trends are already at play within Thai households.
Several key factors appear to drive this phenomenon. First, there is a marked pressure for fathers to serve as primary providers: in the Verywell Mind poll, 62% of dads cited the responsibility to support the household financially as their top source of stress—far more than any other category. This provider role, while rooted in tradition, persists in Thailand, where cultural expectations often emphasize male breadwinning over shared domestic duties (Bangkok Post).
Another major influence is the scarcity of paternal leave. Recent research published in the journal Pediatrics highlights that 64% of new fathers in the United States take less than two weeks off work after the birth of a child, largely out of fear of negative career consequences. Thailand faces its own challenges in this area—while the country guarantees only a limited number of days for paternal leave, and uptake remains low due to workplace expectations and societal stigma (ILO report on parental leave in Thailand).
Finally, societal scripts still treat fathers more as “helpers” than as equals in parenting—a norm reinforced by the lack of dad-centric community groups and support networks. According to Canada’s Movember Foundation, half of surveyed fathers say there are “not enough resources aimed at dads,” and this lack of peer connection is fueling high levels of isolation. In Thailand, while mother support networks are common—especially during early childhood—similar spaces for fathers are rare to nonexistent.
Financial concerns are just one piece of the puzzle. The Parents/Verywell study finds that 43% of fathers attribute at least half their stress to the direct work of caring for children, a statistic that has doubled since a similar survey in 2018. Burnout is increasingly common: Ohio State data show that 62% of all parents, including Thai and international fathers, report feeling “exhausted most days” by family duties. The result is a high rate of emotional exhaustion for men who are caught between breadwinner duties and growing societal expectations to be hands-on, emotionally present parents.
While it is true that mothers still report higher overall day-to-day tiredness and greater guilt regarding child well-being, the new studies shed light on a distinctly paternal burden: men experience what psychologists call an “invisible load inversion”—they internalize stress, have fewer opportunities to vent, encounter scarcer peer support, and face shorter postnatal leave periods. In Thailand, where mental health remains stigmatized, fathers may find it even harder to seek help or admit vulnerability, further compounding their isolation (WHO report on mental health in Southeast Asia).
The impact of paternal loneliness extends beyond the fathers themselves, affecting family well-being and child development. A June 2025 Gallup survey of Gen Z American teenagers found that only 44% of youths report frequent conversations with their fathers about their futures, compared to 60% with their mothers. The researchers emphasize that teens whose fathers are less communicative about life planning feel less prepared for adulthood—a finding that Thai educators and parents should pay close attention to, given the country’s strong emphasis on filial support and lifelong guidance (Gallup poll reference). Meanwhile, a report by Lincoln University underscores that paternal loneliness in the perinatal period is linked to reduced partner satisfaction and delayed infant bonding, risks that echo in Thai family dynamics where harmonious relationships are highly valued.
Emerging grassroots initiatives offer a model for how to mend this silence. For example, AutisHIM—a podcast and support group founded by two fathers of children with autism in North America—has grown into a vibrant community of over 5,000 members, including monthly offline meetings with therapists. Its founders say that sharing their stories has dramatically reduced their sense of isolation and turned them into more effective child advocates. Although AutisHIM is based abroad, its principles are applicable in Thailand: building networks around paternal experiences can strengthen family health and resilience, especially where fathers of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses often shoulder hidden burdens (AutisHIM initiative).
Expert perspectives further reinforce these observations. According to leading clinical psychologists at Ohio State University, “Fatherhood today is a balancing act fraught with pressures on every side. While mothers often speak out, men tend to pull back—increasing their risk for depression, substance abuse, and relationship breakdowns.” Pediatricians, including those at major Bangkok hospitals, warn that unchecked paternal stress can translate into harsher parenting practices or emotional distance, both of which hinder a child’s development (Parents’ mental health and child outcomes).
The historical and cultural context is crucial in Thailand, where Confucian, Buddhist, and royal traditions have long shaped fatherhood ideals. Traditionally, Thai fathers have acted as distant yet respected providers, with public displays of emotion discouraged. The country’s evolving middle class now expects greater paternal involvement, yet workplace cultures and social norms are slow to catch up. The generational transition is apparent: younger fathers say they want to be more emotionally available, but many worry about stigma or lack of support, echoing the “invisible load inversion” identified in Western research (Isara Foundation research on Thai family roles).
Looking ahead, experts believe that policymakers and employers must take decisive action to address the growing epidemic of paternal loneliness and stress. Recommendations include expanding paid paternity leave, encouraging workplace flexibility, building father-focused peer support groups, and integrating paternal mental health education into perinatal care. Schools and youth organizations can facilitate regular, open father-child communication, while Buddhist temples and community centers in Thailand might explore creating father-inclusive activities to further break down barriers.
For individual Thai fathers, these studies offer both a warning and a call to arms: your well-being matters—not just for your own sake, but for your children and your partner. If you are feeling isolated or overwhelmed, consider joining local dad groups, seeking counseling or support from trusted community leaders, or simply sharing your feelings with friends and family. For mothers, extended family, and employers, the practical takeaway is clear—offer both tangible and emotional support to fathers, invite them to community events, and advocate for policies that recognize the full emotional reality of parenthood.
The latest research makes one thing undeniable: combating paternal loneliness is not just a matter of individual well-being. It is a public health, educational, and social development goal that can strengthen families across Thailand, ensuring resilient, happier households for generations to come.
Source citations: Eladelantado.com, CNN Health, Gallup poll reference, Bangkok Post, ILO parental leave in Thailand, WHO mental health Southeast Asia, Isara Foundation Thai family roles, AutisHIM initiative