‘[Without the program] I would be a mess right now’: A mixed-methods exploration of fathers’ voices, their experiences of fatherhood and benefits of the ‘For Dads by Dads’ support program.

Klara Sabolova, Alessia Evans

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Anxiety and post-paternal depression are common experiences for men who enter the new world of fatherhood (Change Mental Health, 2022), threatening the quality of father-child bonding both short- and long-term. Yet, fathers experiencing mental health problems during the perinatal period are up to 47 times more likely to be classed as a suicide risk than at any other time in their lives (Quevedo et al., 2011).

The present mixed-method research surveyed over 90 Welsh biological fathers regarding their voices and fatherhood experiences, in addition to conducting two semi-structured interviews with fathers who took part in a 10-week support program - For Dads By Dads (FDBD), designed for new and expectant dads.

Survey: Descriptive statistics showed that over a third of fathers obtained no support during their fatherhood journey, where the support received came from family and friends. Dad-tailored classes, training for public sector workers on involving dads in child-related matters and shifts in societal norms and practices around parenthood were recommended by fathers going forward.

Interviews: Upon conducting Thematic Analysis, fathers’ experiences of the FDBD program revolved around 5 themes: (i) Knowledge, (ii) Feeling supported, (iii) Social network & shared experiences, (iv) Ongoing connection & support, and (v) Generational impact of the program.

This project underscores the vital importance of safe in-person spaces designed with dads for dads, providing them with fatherhood ‘tools’ and signposting to support that is available within the communities. Although more robust evaluation of the FDBD program is needed, the existing findings provide a strong case for embedding father-focused wellbeing initiatives into public health and community frameworks across the UK.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusUnpublished - 2025
EventBPS Male Psychology Section Annual Conference 2025 - University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
Duration: 27 Jun 202528 Jun 2025
https://www.bps.org.uk/event/male-psychology-section-annual-conference-2025

Conference

ConferenceBPS Male Psychology Section Annual Conference 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CitySunderland
Period27/06/2528/06/25
Internet address

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