A landmark international study has revealed that a father’s poor mental health may negatively impact his child’s development, shining new light on the critical—but often overlooked—role fathers play in shaping their families’ futures. Published on June 16 in the prestigious journal JAMA Pediatrics, the review synthesizes data from 84 studies and thousands of father-child pairs, raising urgent questions about how Thai society supports men transitioning into fatherhood and the broader implications for family wellbeing worldwide (CNN).
While Thai tradition and public health policy have long focused on mothers as central figures in raising children, this new research highlights that fathers are also key determinants in their children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Until now, the evidence about how paternal mental distress—defined as depression, anxiety, or persistent stress—affects child outcomes has been comparatively scant, especially outside of the Western context. As Thailand’s social structures and parenting norms evolve, the study’s findings carry special resonance for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and families alike.
The study found that fathers experiencing symptoms of mental distress during the perinatal period (from conception to two years after birth) are associated with “negligible to small” but measurable risks of suboptimal child development in four domains: social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical growth. These associations persisted from birth to 18 years of age, with the strongest associations emerging in early childhood and infancy. The researchers analyzed diverse developmental outcomes—from a child’s ability to make friends and self-soothe, to academic performance and milestones in height and weight. Notably, the study showed no meaningful link between a father’s mental distress and adaptive or motor development, such as the capacity to manage daily needs or basic motor skills.
Experts stress that these effects, while statistically modest, are consistent and robust across global populations. Dr. Delyse Hutchinson, senior author and associate professor at Australia’s Deakin University, stated, “What stood out was the striking consistency in the trends observed in the results. This highlights the importance of supporting fathers if we want to see better outcomes for families.” She explains that men face increased mental distress during the transition to fatherhood, with rates as high as 8% for clinical depression, 11% for anxiety, and 6–9% for heightened stress during the perinatal period. For Thailand—a country undergoing demographic shifts, rising urbanisation, and changing family dynamics—these rates are a call for cultural and healthcare adaptation.
The research expands the focus beyond the traditional mother-child pair that dominates both global and Thai studies. The meta-analysis rigorously excluded cases where fathers had confounding medical conditions, substance abuse, or were taking medication, ensuring that the associations are more likely linked specifically to mental health, not underlying physical illness. Among 674 associations analyzed, 286 came from unpublished “gray literature,” such as doctoral theses and validated interviews, but the statistical patterns remained consistent even when only peer-reviewed published studies were considered.
International experts not involved in the study, notably senior pediatricians from the United States, commended the review’s scope and timing. They observed that fathers are spending more time on childcare than ever before—a trend visible in major Thai cities, where shifting gender roles are reshaping households. The study underscores that supporting both parents’ mental wellbeing is foundational to optimal child health and development. Dr. Arwa Nasir, a professor of pediatrics, cautioned that the associations do not prove causation and should be contextualized alongside socioeconomic forces like poverty, discrimination, and health disparities. She emphasizes, “Presenting the association between fathers’ mental health and children’s health outcomes in isolation from larger societal factors risks presenting the fathers as the cause of children’s problems.” This caution is highly relevant in the Thai context, where rural-urban migration, income inequality, and fragmented social support can exacerbate emotional stressors for new fathers.
Implications for Thailand are both immediate and far-reaching. While postnatal mental distress in fathers showed the strongest link to child outcomes, the effect was present even before conception in some cases, suggesting that interventions should begin early. In Thailand, perinatal care largely centers on mothers and infants, with limited systematic screening or psychosocial support for fathers. This study’s authors, echoed by independent commentators, urge policymakers to “build on the existing maternal infrastructure to design father-tailored programs and policies.” Already, some hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are experimenting with integrating mental health check-ins for both parents during prenatal and postnatal visits, but coverage is inconsistent and often limited to urban centers.
Thai cultural expectations about masculinity and stoicism can make it difficult for men to acknowledge feelings of anxiety or depression, let alone seek professional help. “It’s important for fathers to be aware that becoming a parent can be a challenging period, and that many fathers go through ups and downs during this time,” says Dr. Hutchinson. She encourages fathers to speak honestly with physicians or mental health specialists—and reminds them that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Digital health apps and peer support groups have shown promise in international research, and similar approaches are being piloted by NGOs in Thailand, particularly among young urban fathers.
The research also dovetails with long-standing Thai traditions that view the family as the societal cornerstone but may overlook the specific emotional needs of fathers. The expectation that men be stoic breadwinners is deeply rooted, yet recent generations are challenging these boundaries, embracing more nurturing and emotionally engaged models of fatherhood. Modern Thai literature, cinema, and online platforms increasingly portray fathers as empathetic and active participants in child-rearing, reflecting broader social change.
Looking to the future, the study’s authors and independent experts agree on the need for inclusive, family-centered health strategies. Screening for mental distress should be routine for both parents, starting in pregnancy and extending through early childhood. Educational campaigns can leverage Buddhist principles of mindfulness and compassion to destigmatize mental health issues, creating safe spaces for fathers to ask for support. For hard-to-reach rural communities, telehealth and social media could provide vital lifelines.
In practical terms, Thai families and caregivers can take immediate steps to protect fathers’ mental health—and therefore their children’s wellbeing. GPs and health officials are encouraged to ask open-ended questions about stress, sleep, and mood during all perinatal and pediatric visits. Community groups and religious institutions can offer peer-led support sessions, especially targeting first-time fathers or those who have migrated to urban areas for work. Families should recognize that stress and emotional turmoil in new fathers are common and do not reflect weakness or failure, but are signals for care and community connection.
Ultimately, as Thailand continues to modernize while retaining its cultural heritage, supporting paternal mental health emerges not just as a private matter but as a public health priority. By recognizing the profound—if sometimes subtle—ways fathers’ emotions shape the next generation, Thailand can nurture more resilient families and a healthier society. As Dr. Nasir eloquently affirms, “Supporting the well-being of families should be a national priority.” For Thai readers, this means moving beyond outdated narratives and building a support network that honors the role of every parent.
For more details on the research and practical resources for Thai fathers and caregivers, visit CNN’s full coverage and explore local initiatives through the Ministry of Public Health. Parents and community leaders alike are called to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and prioritize the mental wellbeing of all caregivers—not just for today’s families, but for the strength of Thailand’s future generations.