The Forgotten Fathers: An Exploratory Qualitative Study on the Experiences of UK Minoritised First-time Fathers with Partners with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

What are the experiences of minoritised first-time fathers in the UK whose partners are impacted by perinatal depression and anxiety?

Becoming a first-time parent can be a major life change. When a partner is struggling with their mental health, such as low mood, or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth, it can also affect the father’s wellbeing and adjustment. While much research focuses on mothers and babies, there is very little that looks at how first-time fathers, especially from diverse backgrounds, are affected and their support needs. Through interviews, this study aims to fill that gap by exploring the experience of first-time fathers from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds and help improve service delivery.