The association between paternal PTSD and child mental health: a systematic literature review

Fathers play a crucial role in their children's psychosocial development, positively influencing emotional, cognitive, and social competencies. Paternal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can disrupt this dynamic, potentially compromising the psychological well-being and developmental outcomes of their offspring. This systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between paternal PTSD and the prevalence of psychopathology in children and adolescents, providing a comprehensive understanding of how trauma experienced by fathers may influence their children's mental health. A systematic search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PILOTS yielded only six studies that met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate a significant association between paternal PTSD and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Furthermore, the results suggest that maternal mental health status may moderate the relationship between paternal PTSD and offspring mental health outcomes. Future research should explore the mechanisms of trauma transmission from fathers to children, the broader impact of paternal PTSD on family dynamics, and the specific role of maternal mental health in this context.