A systematic review of paternal depression and prenatal attachment, and an empirical study of psychosocial factors that maintain wellbeing in elite rugby players

Kraml, Lisa-Maria 2023. A systematic review of paternal depression and prenatal attachment, and an empirical study of psychosocial factors that maintain wellbeing in elite rugby players. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background: Expectant fathers experience significant psychosocial changes, and are at increased risk for developing depressive symptoms. Depression in mothers during the prenatal period has been linked to lower prenatal attachment to the foetus, and increased depressive symptoms. This has been linked to negative emotional, psychological, and behavioural outcomes in infants. Less is known about depression in fathers during the intervention for at-risk fathers during their partner’s pregnancy. Contradictory findings and methodological flaws in the existing literature, however, suggest that more research, of increased methodological rigor, is required to better understand the relationship between fathers’ experiences of depression and their relationship to the unborn child. prenatal period and its relationship with paternal-foetal attachment. Methods: This systematic review synthesized findings from 13 studies investigating the relationship between paternal prenatal attachment and paternal depression during pregnancy. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results: 7/13 studies (53.8%) in this review did not report a significant association between paternal depression and father-foetal attachment. Six studies (46%) reported a significant positive association between fathers’ depressive symptomology and suboptimal prenatal attachment. There were no clear methodological differences between studies that reported significant findings and those that did not. Limitations: The evidence base is limited and contradictory. More research is required to clarify the relationship between paternal depression and fathers’ prenatal attachment. This review employed a narrative synthesis and statistical conclusions cannot be drawn from its findings. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of fathers’ mental health and attachment during pregnancy and stresses the importance of appropriate screening and early

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	23 April 2024
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2024 11:17
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/168256

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