Is participation in antenatal classes associated with fathers' mental health? A quasi-experimental and prospective study.

BACKGROUND: In comparison to those conducted with women, studies about the transition of men to parenthood are limited in numbers, especially in developing countries. Moreover, in Turkey, along with gender roles and sociocultural changes, the roles of fathers are also changing. This change highlights the need to understand early parenthood for fathers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, non-randomized prospective study with a pre- and post-training model was conducted in a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Men in the antenatal education group (EG = 55) and their pregnant wives participated in 6 weeks of training during pregnancy (24th-28th weeks gestation). Men in the care-as-usual group (CG = 55) attended routine check-ups and follow-ups with their wives. GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire-28) was administered three times in total at study enrolment, immediately following the 6-week intervention period, and at the 6th postpartum week. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups' GHQ-28 scores before and after the training. In the 6th week of postpartum follow-up, the GHQ-28 scores were significantly higher for the fathers who participated in the educational intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal education classes were found to be associated with the mental health of fathers. Further research evaluating family-centered parenting support programs is warranted to better understand how to support fathers in the transition to parenthood, particularly in countries in which fathers' roles in pregnancy and early parenthood are changing.

Father-child bonding among Japanese fathers of infants: A municipal-based study at the time of the 4-month child health checkup.

We aimed to clarify the factor structure of a bonding measure among Japanese fathers with infants and the factors associated with the subscales. Among fathers of children attending the 4-month health checkup, the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale had a two-factor structure comprising "anger" and "lack of affection." Anger was associated with fathers' work demands and poor mental condition, and lack of affection with fathers' older age, poor mental condition, and interpersonal problems at home. Paternal parenting support needs to account for not only the fathers themselves, but also interpersonal communication at home and in the work environment.

Nos propusimos clarificar la estructura de factores de una medida de acercamiento afectivo entre los papás japoneses con infantes y los factores asociados con las subescalas. Entre los papás de niños que asistían al chequeo de salud de 4 meses, la versión japonesa de la Escala de Acercamiento Afectivo Madre a Infante tuvo una estructura de dos factores que comprende "ira" y "falta de afecto." La "Ira" se asoció con las responsabilidades del trabajo de los papás y la débil condición mental, y la "falta de afecto" con la más vieja edad de los papás, la débil condición mental y los problemas interpersonales en casa. La crianza paterna apoya las necesidades de dar cuenta no sólo de los padres mismos, sino también de la comunicación interpersonal en casa y el ambiente de trabajo.

Notre but était de clarifier la structure de facteur d'une mesure de lien entre les pères japonais de nourrissons et les facteurs liés aux sous-échelles. Parmi les pères d'enfants présents pour leur visite médicale de 4 mois la version japonaise de l'Echelle de Lien Mère-Nourrisson était une structure de deux facteurs comprenant "la colère" et "le manque d'affection". "La colère" était liée aux exigences du travail des pères et à une condition mentale moins élevée, et "le manque d'attention" était lié à l'âge plus élevés des pères, à une condition mentale moins élevée et à des problèmes relationnels à la maison. Le soutien de parentage paternel a besoin d'être pris en compte non seulement pour ce qui concerne les pères eux-mêmes mais aussi la communication relationnelle à la maison et l'environnement au travail.

A prospective study on the course of sleep disturbances in first-time fathers during the transition to parenthood.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined sleep disturbances in first-time fathers from the third trimester of their partner's pregnancy to 2 months postpartum to determine prevalence, incidence, and persistence of sleep disturbances and identify associated determinants. METHODS: Men expecting their first child were recruited from local prenatal classes and university-affiliated obstetric clinics. During their partner's third trimester of pregnancy and 2 months postpartum, 459 men completed standardized online self-report questionnaires measuring sociodemographics, lifestyle, and psychosocial variables and sleep quality. RESULTS: Disturbed sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] global score >5) increased from 29.6% during the third trimester to 44.7% at 2 months postpartum. The incidence of poor sleep at 2 months postpartum was 33.7%. Among men with disturbed sleep at the antenatal assessment, 70.6% continued to have sleep disturbances at 2 months postpartum. An increase in depressive symptoms and higher parenting stress was independently associated with onset and persistence of disturbed sleep at 2 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep is compromised in expectant and new fathers. Strategies aimed at improving sleep, depressed mood, and managing the challenges of parenting may be important components to include in prenatal interventions aimed at enhancing the transition to parenthood and infant development.

Male callers to an Australian perinatal depression and anxiety help line-Understanding issues and concerns.

There is increasing recognition of the issues facing men in the perinatal period. Vulnerability factors and issues in the partner relationship contribute to mental health risk and can impact the quality of the father-infant relationship. Yet, there is limited understanding of fathers' help-seeking when they or their partner are experiencing mental health issues in the context of caring for a new baby. The present study examines fathers' contacts with the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) National Helpline. The study reviewed contacts from fathers and their identified needs for assistance, relationship issues, and support needs; 70% of male callers (N = 129) reported concerns about the mother's mental health, and 57% were concerned about relationship breakdown. Significant numbers of men raised issues about their own mental health (43%) and many were concerned about the impact of maternal mental state on the relationship with the infant. When compared to community data, there were elevated rates of concerns about depression and anxiety. Men also described difficulties with the fathering role and with regulating their own feelings of guilt and frustration. These findings highlight the needs of men for support when a mother experiences perinatal problems and also the risk for distress in fathers.

Hay un incremento en el reconocimiento de los asuntos que enfrentan los hombres en el período perinatal.  Los factores de vulnerabilidad y asuntos en la relación con la pareja contribuyen al riesgo de salud mental y pueden tener impacto en la calidad de la relación papá-infante.  Aun así, hay una comprensión limitada acerca de la búsqueda de ayuda por parte de los papás cuando ellos o sus parejas están experimentando asuntos de salud mental en el contexto de cuidar a un nuevo bebé.  El presente estudio examina el contacto de los papás con la línea de ayuda nacional Ansiedad y Depresión Perinatal Australia (PANDA). El estudio revisó contactos de papás y sus identificadas necesidades para la asistencia, asuntos de la relación y necesidades de apoyo: 70% de los varones que llamaron (N = 129) reportaron preocupaciones acerca de la salud mental de la madre y 57% estaban preocupados acerca del rompimiento de la relación.  Un significativo número de hombres presentaron asuntos acerca de su propia salud mental (43%) y muchos estaban preocupados sobre el impacto del estado mental materno en la relación con el infante. Cuando se compara con la información comunitaria, hubo puntajes elevados de preocupaciones acerca de la depresión y la ansiedad. Los hombres también describieron dificultades con el papel de ser padres y con la forma de regular sus propios sentimientos de culpa y frustración.  Estos resultados subrayan las necesidades de los hombres de apoyo cuando una madre experimenta un problema perinatal y también el riesgo de angustia en los papás.

Les problèmes auxquels font face les hommes durant la période périnatale sont de plus en plus reconnus. Des facteurs et des problèmes de vulnérabilité dans la relation au partenaire contribuent au risque de santé mentale et peuvent avoir un impact sur la qualité de la relation père-enfant. Cependant on n'a que des connaissances limitées de l'appel à l'aide des pères lorsqu'ils font ou lorsque leur partenaire fait l'expérience de problèmes de santé mentale dans le contexte du soin à un nouveau-né. Cette étude a examiné les contacts des pères avec la ligne téléphonique nationale australienne pour l'anxiété et la dépression périnatales, abrégée PANDA selon l'anglais. Cette étude a passé en revue les contacts de pères et leurs besoins identifiés d'assistance et de soutien pour des problèmes liés à une relation: 70% des hommes ayant téléphoné (N = 129) ont fait état d'inquiétude à propos de la santé mentale de la mère et 57% étaient inquiets de la désintégration de la relation. Un nombre important d'hommes ont parlé de leur propre santé mentale (43%) et beaucoup d'entre eux étaient inquiets à propos de l'impact de l'état mental maternel sur la relation avec le nourrisson. Comparé aux données communautaires, on a trouvé des niveau élevés d'inquiétude sur la dépression et l'anxiété. Ces hommes ont aussi décrit des difficultés avec le rôle de père et avec la régulation de leurs propres sentiments de culpabilité et de frustration. Ces résultats mettent en évidence les besoins qu'ont les hommes de soutien quand une mère fait l'expérience d'un problème périnatal, et aussi le risque de détresse chez les pères.

"Weathering the storm:" Mothers' and fathers' experiences of parenting a preterm infant.

Parenting preterm infants is a unique experience distinct from parenting full-term infants, characterized by a delayed transition to parenthood and limited caregiving opportunities. This study explored mothers' and fathers' lived experiences of parenting during infancy in the context of preterm birth. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 parents (6 fathers, 7 mothers) of preterm infants. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged: (a) An unnatural disaster: The traumatic nature of preterm birth, (b) The immediate aftermath: Disconnected and displaced, (c) Breaking the ice: Moving from frozen to melted, and (d) Aftershocks: Transitioning home. Both parents experienced preterm birth as traumatic. Similarities and differences in mothers' and fathers' experiences were identified. Preterm birth posed challenges for nurturant and social caregiving and resulted in anxiety, hypervigilance, and overprotective parenting behavior. The results highlight the need for trauma-informed care and further research developing and testing empirically based interventions.

Criar a infantes nacidos prematuramente es una experiencia única, distinta de criar a infantes nacidos a los nueve meses, caracterizada por una transición retrasada al hecho de ser padres y por oportunidades limitadas de prestación de cuidados. Este estudio exploró las experiencias de crianza vividas por las mamás y los papás durante la infancia dentro del contexto del nacimiento prematuro. Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas cualitativas semiestructuradas con 13 progenitores (6 papás, 7 mamás) de infantes nacidos prematuramente. Se analizó la información usando el Análisis Fenomenológico Interpretativo. Surgieron cuatro temas superiores: (i) Un desastre no natural: La naturaleza traumática del nacimiento prematuro; (ii) Las consecuencias inmediatas: Desconectados y desplazados; (iii) El rompimiento del hielo: Pasar de estar congelado a derretirse; y (iv) La conmoción posterior: En transición a casa. Ambos padres experimentaron el nacimiento prematuro como traumático. Se identificaron las similitudes y las diferencias en las experiencias de las mamás y de los papás. El nacimiento prematuro presentó retos para el cuidado de crianza y social y resultó en ansiedad, excesiva vigilancia y conducta de crianza sobreprotectora. Los resultados subrayan la necesidad de un cuidado fundamentado en la comprensión del trauma y de una investigación futura que desarrolle y examine las intervenciones con base empírica.

Le parentage de nourrissons prématurés est une expérience unique distincte du parentage de nourrissons à terme, caractérisée par une transition retardée au parentage et par des opportunités de prendre soin du bébé limitées. Cette étude a exploré les expériences vécues de parentage des mères et des pères durant la petite enfance dans le contexte d'une naissance prématurée. Des entretiens qualitatifs semi-structurés ont été faits avec 13 parents (6 pères, 7 mères) de nourrissons prématurés. Les données ont été analysées en utilisant l'Analyse Interprétative Phénoménologique. Quatre thèmes sur-ordonnés ont émergé : (i) Un désastre contre nature : la nature traumatique de la naissance prématurée, (ii) Le lendemain immédiat : déconnecté et déplacés, (iii) La glace brisée : de l'état de glace au dégel, et (iv) Les secousses secondaires : la transition au domicile. Les deux parents ont fait l'expérience de la naissance prématurée comme étant traumatique. Les similarités et les différences dans les expériences des mères et des pères ont été identifiées. La naissance prématurée s'est avérée difficile pour les soins nourriciers et sociaux et a résulté en anxiété, hypervigilance et en comportement de parentage surprotecteur. Les résultats de l'étude mettent en valeur le besoin de soin tenant en compte le trauma et de procéder à des recherches plus approfondies sur le développement et le test d'interventions basées sur des faits empiriques.

Role of psychosocial risk factors in predicting maternal and paternal depressive symptomatology during pregnancy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of several psychosocial risk factors in predicting depressive symptomatology during pregnancy in mothers and fathers, respectively. A total of 146 primiparous mothers and 105 primiparous fathers reporting a psychosocial risk condition were recruited independently from maternity and child health services, during the second trimester of pregnancy. All parents were evaluated for depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and perceived social support. Two hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the role of psychosocial factors in predicting depressive symptomatology during pregnancy, in mothers and fathers. Marital dissatisfaction, personal history of depression, and personal trait anxiety were identified as significant predictors of depressive symptomatology during pregnancy, both in mothers and in fathers. Family history of substance abuse, conflictual relationship with the parents in the past year, and bereavement in the past year were identified as significant factors contributing to elevated depressive symptoms during pregnancy in mothers, but not fathers. In this study, several psychosocial risk factors were consistently related to an increase in maternal and paternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy; some of these factors seem to be specifically related to maternal depressive mood.

El propósito del presente estudio fue investigar el papel de varios factores sicosociales de riesgo para predecir la sintomatología depresiva durante el embarazo en mamás y papás, respectivamente. Un total de 146 madres primerizas y 105 papás primerizos que habían reportado una condición de riesgo sicosocial fueron reclutados independientemente de los servicios de salud de maternidad e infantil, durante el segundo trimestre del embarazo. Todos los padres fueron evaluados con relación a la sintomatología depresiva, la ansiedad y el percibido apoyo social. Se llevaron a cabo dos análisis de regresión múltiple jerárquicos para determinar el papel de los factores sicosociales para predecir la sintomatología depresiva durante el embarazo, en mamás y papás. Se identificó la insatisfacción marital, la historia personal de depresión y el rasgo personal de ansiedad como factores significativos de predicción de la sintomatología depresiva durante el embarazo, tanto en mamás como en papás. Se identificó la historia familiar de abuso de sustancias, la conflictiva relación con los padres en el pasado año, así como el duelo en el pasado año como factores significativos que contribuyen a un nivel elevado de síntomas depresivos durante el embarazo en las mamás, pero no así en los papás. En este estudio, varios factores sicosociales de riesgo fueron consistentemente relacionados con un aumento en los síntomas depresivos maternos y paternos durante el embarazo: algunos de estos factores parecen estar específicamente relacionados con el estado depresivo materno.

Le but de cette étude était de rechercher le rôle de plusieurs facteurs psychosociaux dans la prédiction de symptopathologie dépressive durant la grossesse chez les mères et les pères. Un total de 146 mères primipares et de 105 pères primipares faisant état d'une condition de risque psychosocial ont été recrutés indépendamment des services de maternité et de soin de santé de l'enfant, durant le second trimestre de la grossesse. Tous les parents ont été évalués pour une symptomatologie dépressive, l'anxiété et le soutien social perçu. Deux analyses de régression multiples hiérarchiques ont été faites afin de déterminer le rôle de facteurs psychosociaux dans la prédiction de symptomatologie dépressive durant la grossesse, chez les mères et les pères. Le mécontentement conjugal, l'histoire personnelle de dépression et l'anxiété comme trait personnel ont été identifiés comme étant des prédicteurs importants de symptomatologie durant la grossesse, à la fois chez les mères et chez les pères. L'antécédent familial de toxicomanie, une relation conflictuelle avec les parents dans l'année précédente et un deuil durant l'année précédente ont tous été identifiés comme des facteurs importants contribuant à des symptômes dépressifs élevés durant la grossesse chez les mères mais pas chez les pères. Dans cette étude plusieurs facteurs de risque psychosocial étaient systématiquement liés à une augmentation des symptômes dépressifs maternels et paternels durant la grossesse : certains de ces facteurs semblaient liés plus spécifiquement à l'humeur dépressive maternelle.

Reproductive justice and support for young fathers.

The current article addresses the interests and contributions of fathers to child development and well-being within a reproductive and social justice framework. We present an overview of research on the role of fathers in the lives of children from the prenatal period through early childhood, with an emphasis on fathers as partners and caregivers in promoting the reproductive health and safety of women and the healthy development of young children. We explore especially the challenges of young, at-risk fathers as well as system and practice opportunities that support their contributions as partners and parents. Our goal of the article is to extend the discourse on reproductive and social justice to include the shared responsibility of all parents and facilitate circumstances whereby children experience the support needed to become nurturing caregivers for the next generation.

El presente artículo se refiere a los intereses y contribuciones de los papás al desarrollo y bienestar del niño dentro de un marco de justicia reproductiva y social. Presentamos una revisión general de la investigación sobre el papel de los papás en la vida de niños desde el período prenatal y a través de la primera infancia con énfasis en los papás como compañeros y cuidadores en el proceso de promover la salud y seguridad reproductiva de las mujeres y el desarrollo saludable de los pequeños niños. Exploramos especialmente los retos de papás jóvenes bajo condiciones de riesgo, así como oportunidades sistemáticas y prácticas que apoyan sus contribuciones como compañeros y progenitores. La meta del estudio es extender el tema de la justicia reproductiva y social para incluir la responsabilidad compartida de todos los padres y facilitar las circunstancias por medio de las cuales los niños experimentan el apoyo necesario para convertirse en fomentadores de una crianza propicia para la próxima generación.

Cet article porte sur les intérêts et les contributions des pères au développement de l'enfant et à son bien-être dans le contexte de justice reproductive et de justice sociale. Nous présentons un survol des recherches sur le rôle des pères dans les vies des enfants de la période prénatale à la petite enfance avec l'accent placé sur les pères en tant que partenaires et modes de soin promouvant la santé reproductive et la sécurité des femmes et le développement sain des jeunes enfants. Nous explorons spécialement les défis auxquels font face les jeunes pères à risque ainsi que les systèmes et les opportunités de pratiques qui soutiennent ces contributions en tant que partenaires et parents. Le but de cet article est d'élargir le discours sur la justice reproductive et la justice sociale afin d'inclure la responsibilité partagée de tous les parents et de facilier les circomstances dans lesquelles les enfants font l'expérience du soutien nécessaire afin de devenir à leur tout des parents protecteurs et chaleureux pour la prochaine génération.

Effects of male postpartum depression on father-infant interaction: The mediating role of face processing.

It is estimated that postpartum depression affects up to 25% of men. Despite such high prevalence, the majority of studies on postpartum depression are focused on mothers, and the role of paternal depression and its effects on infant development have been overlooked by researchers and clinicians. The present study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the effect of paternal postpartum depression on father-infant interactions. In addition, we examined whether differences in face recognition mediated the effects of paternal postpartum depression on father-infant interactions. A total of 61 father-infant dyads (17 postpartum depression, 44 controls) took part in the study. Results revealed that compared to controls, fathers with postpartum depression had a worse pattern of interaction with their infants on measures of responsiveness, mood, and sensitivity; they also had greater difficulty in recognizing happy adult faces, but greater facility in recognizing sad adult faces. Depressed fathers attributed greater intensities to sad adult and infant faces. The tendency to attribute greater intensity to sad adult faces was confirmed as a partial mediator of the effect of paternal postpartum depression on measures of father responsiveness and as a full mediator of the effects of paternal depression on father sensitivity. Clinical implications and suggestions for further studies are discussed.

Se estima que la depresión posterior al parto afecta hasta un 25% de los hombres. A pesar de tan alta prevalencia, la mayoría de los estudios sobre la depresión posterior al parto se enfocan en las madres, y los investigadores y clínicos han pasado por alto el papel de la depresión paterna y sus efectos en el desarrollo del infante. El presente estudio se propuso llenar ese vacío investigando el efecto que la depresión paterna posterior al parto tiene en las interacciones papá-infante. Adicionalmente, examinamos si las diferencias en reconocer las caras mediaron los efectos que la depresión paterna posterior al parto tiene en las interacciones papá-infante. Sesenta y una díadas papá-infante (17 en el grupo de depresión posterior al parto, 44 en el grupo de control) participaron en el estudio. Los resultados revelaron que, comparados con el grupo de control, los papás con depresión posterior al parto presentaban un peor patrón de interacción con sus infantes en medidas de capacidad de respuesta, estado de ánimo y sensibilidad; ellos también tuvieron mayores dificultades en reconocer caras adultas felices, pero con mayor facilidad reconocieron caras adultas tristes. Los padres deprimidos atribuyeron una mayor intensidad a las caras tristes de adultos e infantes. Se confirmó la tendencia de atribuir una mayor intensidad a las caras adultas tristes como un mediador parcial del efecto que la depresión paterna posterior al parto tiene sobre la calidad de respuesta del papá y como un completo mediador de los efectos que la depresión paterna tiene sobre la sensibilidad del papá. Se discuten las implicaciones y sugerencias clínicas para futuros estudios.

On estime que la dépression postpartum affect jusqu'à 25% des hommes. En dépit d'une telle prévalence élevée la majorité des études sur la dépression postpartum porte sur les mères et le rôle de la dépression paternelle et de ses effets sur le développement du nourrisson a été négligé par les chercheurs et les cliniciens. Cette étude s'est donné pour but de remplir ce fossé en recherchant l'effet de la dépression postpartum sur les interactions père-nourrisson. De plus, nous avons examiné si les différences dans la reconnaissance faciale ont assuré la médiation des effets de la dépression paternelle postpartum sur les interactions père-nourrisson. 61 dyades père-bébé (17 dépression postpartum, 44 contrôles) ont pris part à l'étude. Les résultats ont révélé que, comparés aux contrôles, les pères avec la dépression postpartum faisaient état d'un pattern d'interaction avec leur bébé pire sur les mesures de réactivité, d'humeur et de sensibilité. Ils avaient aussi plus de difficulté à reconnaître les visages adultes heureux mais une plus grande facilité à reconnaître les visages adultes tristes. Les pères déprimés ont attribué de plus grandes intensités aux visages tristes de l'adulte et du bébé. La tendance à attribuer une plus grande intensité aux visages tristes de l'adulte a été confirmée comme un médiateur partiel de l'effet de la dépression paternelle postpartum sur la réaction du père et comme un médiateur total sur les effets de la dépression paternelle sur la sensibilité du père. Les implications cliniques et des suggestions de recherche sont discutées.

DOES A PERINATAL PARENTING INTERVENTION WORK FOR FATHERS? A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Fathers are increasingly expected to contribute to their parenting role at the transition to parenthood; however, many fathers experience mental health problems during this time. Parenting support for new fathers is limited, and research often only includes the mothers in intervention studies. Clear evidence for parenting programs for fathers has not yet been established. This study evaluated the effects of a parenting intervention (Baby Triple P) on fathers who were expecting their first baby. The design was a randomized controlled trial comparing Baby Triple P with care as usual over three time points (pregnancy, 10 weeks' postbirth, and 6 months' postbirth) for 112 fathers living in Brisbane, Australia. The primary outcomes included paternal psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and stress and several secondary measures. No significant intervention effects for Baby Triple P were found at either post- or follow-up assessments. Fathers in both groups reported significant increases in their parenting confidence and self-efficacy. The results indicate no conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of Baby Triple P for new fathers. Future research using a sample with greater likelihood of experiencing problems at the transition to parenthood is needed as is offering more tailored need-based support to obtain substantial evidence for this preventative parenting program.

DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIALIZATION OF PHYSICAL AGGRESSION IN VERY YOUNG BOYS.

The expression of physical aggression is normative in early child development; it peaks in the second year of life, with steep declines for most children by the third and fourth years as children learn alternatives to aggression. Some children, however, fail to demonstrate declines in aggressive acts, and many of these are boys. The current review uses a dynamic systems (DS) approach to identify early individual and contextual factors that may dynamically influence trajectories of aggression as a characteristic way of engaging within communities and relationships. Within the DS framework, we focus on the parent-infant relationship as central to the development of adaptive emotion-regulation capacities of the infant and young child. Biological sex differences that may influence this early relationship are highlighted, as is the influence of contextual processes such as family violence. Clinical implications suggested by both the empirical and theoretical literatures are then described.

PSYCHOLOGY OF BOYS AT RISK: INDICATORS FROM 0-5.

In utero and during the first 5 years of life, boys face unique risks as a result of neurobiological and environmental factors. This introductory article to the Special Issue describes the background of this gender-specific inquiry and outlines some of those risks, drawing attention to the areas that will be covered in depth in the following contributions. We also describe the basis of this inquiry as the link between early life and the subsequent difficulties that adolescent boys and many young men face, and pay particular attention to the circumstances of young men of color and to the growing knowledge about the contributions of fathers to boys' development.

THE EARLY HOME ENVIRONMENT OF LATINO BOYS AND THEIR PEERS: A DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE.

Using a sample (N = 5,200) drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, we examined Latino boys' developmental profiles and their early home experiences from 9 months to kindergarten entry in comparison to their peers-Latina girls and White boys. We also examined how children's early home experiences related to outcomes at kindergarten entry and whether these varied by gender and ethnicity. Controlling for socioeconomic indicators, the largest mean group differences were between Latino and White boys, beginning at 24 months and persisting at kindergarten entry. There were modest differences between Latino boys and Latina girls on some outcomes, with boys showing an early and persistent advantage in math and girls showing a persistent advantage in social skills. Household resources and maternal and paternal investments in literacy activities were the strongest predictors of children's preacademic skills at kindergarten entry. Our model did not vary by gender or ethnicity, suggesting that the ingredients for learning are the same for all children.

PARENTAL REPORTS OF EARLY SOCIOEMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: DOES THE FATHER'S VIEW MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Although both mothers and fathers are essential sources of information to address early socioemotional/behavioral (SEB) problems, there continues to be a dearth of studies considering both parental views. A sample of 208 toddlers (Mage = 19.3 months) was recruited through public child health centers. Both parents of 172 toddlers (76 boys, 96 girls) completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1-5 (T.M. Achenbach & L.A. Rescorla, 2000; Finnish translation by F. Almqvist, ). Correspondence (intraclass correlation coefficients; ICCs) between the maternal and paternal CBCL ratings was good (.64) for the Internalizing and excellent (.76) for the Externalizing and Total Problems scores whereas ICCs varied from .45 for the Withdrawn to .76 for the Sleep Problems and Aggressive Behavior syndrome scores. Regarding discrepancies, mothers consistently reported higher CBCL scale scores than did fathers. Most significant differences between the parental ratings were found on the Aggressive Behavior syndrome, Externalizing, and Total Problems scales. Interparental rating discrepancies increased with elevations in the corresponding CBCL scale scores. Positive correlations were found between maternal, but not paternal, parenting stress and interparental rating discrepancies on the CBCL. The observed differences between maternal and paternal ratings highlight the importance of gathering reports from both parents when assessing early SEB problems. The findings are more profoundly discussed in the article.

MOTHER-CHILD AND FATHER-CHILD PLAY INTERACTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL PLAYFULNESS AS A MODERATOR OF THE LINKS BETWEEN PARENTAL BEHAVIOR AND CHILD NEGATIVITY.

Based on the premise that father-child play is an important context for children's development and that fathers "specialize" in play, similarities and differences in the role of playfulness in the father-child and mother-child relationship were examined. Participants in this study included 111 families (children's age: 1-3 years). Father-child and mother-child play interactions were videotaped and coded for parental playfulness, sensitivity, structuring, and nonintrusiveness as well as child negativity. Results indicated that mothers and fathers did not differ in playfulness and that mothers and fathers who were higher in playfulness had children with lower levels of negativity. However, playfulness differently moderated the links between parents' and children's behaviors for mothers and fathers. A double-risk pattern was found for mothers, such that the links between child negativity and maternal sensitivity, structuring, and nonintrusiveness were significant only for the subgroup of mothers with low levels of playfulness. When mothers had high levels of playfulness, these effects were negligible. For fathers, a double-buffer pattern was revealed, indicating that the links between child negativity and paternal sensitivity and structuring were significant only for fathers with high levels of playfulness. When fathers had low levels of playfulness, these effects were negligible. These findings demonstrate the important role that parental playfulness has on parent-child interaction as well as the need to examine moderation patterns separately for fathers and mothers.

THE MAGIC OF PLAY: LOW-INCOME MOTHERS' AND FATHERS' PLAYFULNESS AND CHILDREN'S EMOTION REGULATION AND VOCABULARY SKILLS.

Using data from a diverse sample of low-income families who participated in the Early Head Start Research Evaluation Project (n = 73), we explored the association between mothers' and fathers' playfulness with toddlers, toddler's affect during play, and children's language and emotion regulation at prekindergarten. There were two main findings. First, fathers' playfulness in toddlerhood was associated with children's vocabulary skills in prekindergarten whereas mothers' playfulness was related to children's emotion regulation. Cross-parental effects were found only for mothers. The association between mothers' playfulness and children's vocabulary and emotion regulation was strengthened when fathers engaged in more pretend play and when children were affectively positive during the play. These findings show that playfulness is an important source of variation in the vocabulary and emotion regulation of children growing up in low-income families. They also point to domain-specific ways that mothers and fathers promote children's regulatory and vocabulary skills, and highlight the importance of children's positive engagement in play.

THE QUALITY OF FATHER-CHILD ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE PLAY AND TODDLERS' AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN CHINA.

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the quality of early father-child rough-and-tumble play (RTP) on toddler aggressive behaviors and more fully understand how child, mother, and father characteristics were associated with higher quality father-child RTP among contemporary urban Chinese families. Participants included 42 families in Changsha, China. Play observations of fathers and their children were coded for RTP quality. The specific RTP quality of father-child reciprocity of dominance was associated with fewer toddler aggressive behaviors, as rated by both fathers and mothers. Mothers' democratic parenting attitudes were associated with higher quality father-child RTP. These findings suggest that higher quality father-child RTP may be one way in which some fathers influence children's expression of aggressive behaviors, and the quality of father-child RTP may be influenced by the broader family, social, and cultural contexts.

FATHER-CHILD PLAY DURING THE PRESCHOOL YEARS AND CHILD INTERNALIZING BEHAVIORS: BETWEEN ROBUSTNESS AND VULNERABILITY.

Play observations with a total of 400 toddlers and preschoolers were videotaped and rated for Intensity and Quality of play with their parents. Parents were asked about perceived stress and personality characteristics (Big 5). Child's motor, cognitive skills, temperament, and internalizing behaviors were assessed. Study 1 investigated the robustness of play across child age and gender, and examined differences between fathers and mothers. Study 2 explored the vulnerability of play with fathers of children born preterm (PT-fathers) and fathers who had experienced adverse childhoods (AC-fathers). Study 3 investigated child internalizing behaviors. Intensity of play was maintained almost independently of child age and gender. It was similar for AC- and PT-fathers, and similar to maternal Intensity. In contrast, paternal Quality of play was higher with boys and independent of fathers' personality and perceived parenting stress whereas maternal Quality of play was higher with girls and linked to mothers' perceived parenting competence, acceptability of the child, and neuroticism. AC-fathers scored significantly low on Quality, as did PT-fathers, but the Quality of their play became better with growing child age, birth weight, and cognitive (but not motor and temperament) scores. Finally, child internalizing behaviors were negatively related to paternal Quality of play.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF INTERVENTIONS TARGETING PATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PERINATAL PERIOD.

Interventions targeting parents' mental health in the perinatal period are critical due to potential consequences of perinatal mental illness for the parent, the infant, and their family. To date, most programs have targeted mothers. This systematic review explores the current status and evidence for intervention programs aiming to prevent or treat paternal mental illness in the perinatal period. Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify peer-reviewed studies that described an intervention targeting fathers' mental health in the perinatal period. Mental health outcomes included depression, anxiety, and stress as well as more general measures of psychological functioning. Eleven studies were identified. Three of five psychosocial interventions and three massage-technique interventions reported significant effects. None of the couple-based interventions reported significant effects. A number of methodological limitations were identified, including inadequate reporting of study designs, and issues with the timing of interventions. The variability in outcomes measures across the studies made it difficult to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the interventions. Father-focused interventions aimed at preventing perinatal mood problems will be improved if future studies utilize more rigorous research strategies.

WHEN MUM IS STRESSED, IS DAD JUST AS STRESSED? PREDICTORS OF PATERNAL STRESS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF HAVING A BABY.

The primary aim of this study was to examine predictors of paternal stress within the first 6 months of having a baby in a normative Australian sample, and to compare paternal and maternal stress. In total, 54 fathers and 71 mothers completed self-report measures of postnatal depressive symptoms, parenting stress, efficacy, responsiveness, attachment, and family and social support. Paired sample t test revealed a significant relationship within couples in their level of parenting stress. Fathers reported lower levels of postnatal depression, responsiveness, and attachment than did mothers. Fathers rated their level of social support to be higher than did mothers. Regression analyses indicated that responsiveness and efficacy significantly predicted paternal stress whereas responsiveness and attachment predicted maternal stress when history of psychological diagnosis and financial stability were controlled for. Results have implications for early preventive parenting programs.

ANXIETY AND ATTACHMENT TO THE MOTHER IN PRESCHOOLERS RECEIVING PSYCHIATRIC CARE: THE FATHER-CHILD ACTIVATION RELATIONSHIP AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR.

This 49-family study is the first to explore the father-child relationship in a clinical population of preschoolers (at a tertiary care child psychiatry clinic) and to examine its relation to child anxiety and attachment to the mother. A moderation model of the father-child activation relationship on the relation between attachment to the mother and child anxiety was tested and discussed. Analyses confirmed the expected independence between mother-child attachment and father-child activation as well as the association between mother-child attachment and anxiety. The highest levels of anxiety were found in insecure children, and more specifically, in insecure-ambivalent children and insecure disorganized-controlling children of the caregiving subtype. Hypotheses regarding the relation between anxiety and activation were only partially confirmed. Finally, the activation relationship with the father was shown to have a moderating effect on the relation between attachment to the mother and child anxiety; activation by the father may be considered either a protective or a risk factor. Results for this clinical population of young children are discussed in the light of attachment theory and activation relationship theory. The study's findings have the potential to contribute to the development of preventative, diagnostic, and intervention programs that take both parental figures into account.