Mindfulness For Fathers In Families Where The Mother Is Diagnosed With Postpartum Depression And Anxiety: A Pilot Study

One in 5 mothers are diagnosed with postpartum depression or anxiety (PPDA), and a mother’s mental illness is a major risk factor for impaired child development. Fathers, too, are often distressed in these families, which can lead to couple conflict. Exposure to couple conflict is another factor that increases the risk of the child later developing mental and behavioral issues. Moreover, relationship conflicts are also a major predictor of postpartum depression. By increasing the awareness, resilience, and emotional presence of fathers through mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), we expect that the couple’s relationship, and subsequently the mother’s mental health, will improve. All factors may ultimately lead to better developmental outcomes for the child. Given the time constraints and competing demands during the postpartum period, fathers may find it challenging to commit to a regular group. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness groups for new fathers.