In popular culture, dads are often seen as strong, sensitive, and happy figures. From celebrities to everyday life, the image of the “happy dad” is widespread. But the reality is different. Fathers, too, can experience depression, and when left undiagnosed or untreated, it can harm both them and their children.
New research from Rutgers Health sheds light on how paternal depression can have lasting effects on children. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that kids who experienced paternal depression before entering kindergarten were more likely to struggle with behavioral and social issues by age 9.
Kristine Schmitz, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and her team from Rutgers, Princeton, and Rider universities conducted the study. They discovered that children of fathers who experienced depression at age 5 exhibited higher levels of defiance, anger, and low self-esteem by age 9. These children also showed signs of poor cooperation and social struggles in school.
Schmitz emphasized the importance of addressing depression in both parents, not just mothers. “Depression is treatable, and pediatricians need to engage with fathers about their mental health,” she said. “We need father-focused interventions that address their specific needs.”
In the U.S., between 8% and 13% of fathers will experience depression during their child’s early years. This number rises to 50% when the mother also faces postpartum depression. However, few studies have explored the impact of paternal depression on children’s behavior beyond the immediate postnatal period.
Schmitz’s team analyzed data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, which tracked births in 20 U.S. cities between 1998 and 2000. This study followed participants as they grew, providing a unique look into the long-term effects of paternal depression.
By comparing data from 1,422 fathers and their children, the researchers found a clear link between fathers’ depressive symptoms and negative behaviors in their children. Children whose fathers reported feeling depressed at age 5 were more likely to exhibit behavior problems in school by age 9, even after accounting for maternal depression and other factors.
Depression can interfere with a father’s ability to provide emotional support and effective parenting. It can also cause stress within the home, further affecting the child’s development.
The study is one of the first to make such a definitive link between paternal depression and children’s behavior. Schmitz believes that early interventions for fathers experiencing depression could significantly reduce these negative effects. Identifying and supporting both fathers and children early on can improve their well-being.
“There is hope,” Schmitz said. “When parents seek help during tough times, it shows children the importance of reaching out and asking for support, a valuable lesson they will carry for life.”
