EXPLORING PATERNAL MENTAL HELATH DIMENSIONS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY FOCUSING ON PATERNAL PRESENCE DURING LABOUR

This pilot study aimed to investigate dimensions of paternal mental health while becoming a father during the COVID-19 pandemic, by focusing on paternal presence during labour. Data was collected online by using a set of demographic questions and psychological scales such as the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) adapted for fathers, and the Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Questionnaire (PPQ-II). One hundred-twelve fathers participated in this study and the main findings suggest that fathers experienced moderate levels of perinatal anxiety and difficulties bonding with the infant. Fathers who were present during labour manifested higher levels of acute and social anxiety whereas those who were not, experienced higher levels of COVID-19 related stress. Difficult bonding was associated with three dimensions of perinatal stress and with PTSD symptoms such as avoidance and hyperarousal. It was concluded that fathers need to be empowered through family educational programs.