Different Forms of Biological Fatherhood and their Association with Symptoms of Psychopathology

Abstract

While the effects of maternal psychopathology on children are well researched, few studies have addressed paternal psychopathology. We provide estimates of self-reported symptoms of psychopathology across different forms of biological fatherhood, and investigate the association between paternal psychopathology and children’s mental health. In an online survey, N = 2,590 biological fathers living in stable or blended families as well as single or separated fathers filled out the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18, Spitzer et al., 2011), indicated the presence or absence of a self-reported mental disorder, and judged their children’s mental health. Fathers living in stable families reported lower levels of psychopathological symptoms compared to single and separated fathers. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were negatively associated with fathers’ judgment of their children’s mental health. High levels of psychopathological symptoms were much more frequent than self-reported mental disorders, suggesting a need to extend the reach of mental health services.