
09/06/2025
Evidence from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that paternal mental distress is a potentially modifiable predictor of child development. Reducing mental distress in fathers perinatally is thus an important target for preventative interventions aiming to support fathers during the transition to parenthood and promote the health and well-being of next-generation offspring.
This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of the literature on the association of paternal perinatal anxiety, depression, and stress and offspring development up to age 18 years.