#FathersHealth

A new international analysis shows that a father’s mental health during the perinatal period can influence a child’s development. The findings synthesize 84 studies and thousands of father–child pairs, highlighting a dimension of family wellbeing often overlooked in Thai policy discussions. Data from this work underscore the importance of supporting fathers as part of comprehensive family health.

Traditionally, Thai focus has centered on mothers in childrearing. The study expands the lens to show that paternal distress—depression, anxiety, or persistent stress—can affect children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical growth, with effects evident from birth through adolescence. Experts note the strongest associations occur in early years, while some domains such as adaptive or motor development appear less affected.

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).