The impact of parenthood on mental health within the academic community: highlighting vulnerabilities and identifying high-risk groups

Members of the academic community who are parents, particularly mothers, often contend with an array of additional responsibilities that create a delicate balance between academic work on the one hand and childcare and household duties on the other. Consequently, they may experience a negative impact on both their scientific careers and mental well-being. This study seeks to explore the intricate relationship between parenthood and depression symptoms, with a specific emphasis on examining the factors that may shape how parenthood impacts the mental health of individuals within the academic community. We conducted an online survey to evaluate depression symptoms within the academic community in Brazil using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). A logistic regression analysis revealed that mothers were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression than nonmothers, while parenthood had no discernible effect on men. Further analysis within the subset of mothers revealed that factors contributing to the elevated risk of depression included assuming primary caregiving roles, having children with disabilities, being Black mothers, and lacking a support network. In summary, our findings suggested that mothers faced a higher risk of depression than nonmothers and than fathers, with specific factors contributing to this heightened vulnerability. In light of these results, it is crucial for the academic community to engage in open and supportive discussions about these challenges and actively provide assistance to vulnerable mothers dealing with depression.