Work

Family Expectations reduces the risk of postpartum depression among mothers but not fathers.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: = -0.22). Further, despite the high prevalence of fathers meeting the screening cutoff (27.9%), no significant between-group differences were found. These effects did not differ by levels of prenatal depressive symptoms for either parent. These findings suggest that community-based relationship education programs like Family Expectations have the potential to serve as a complementary approach to promoting maternal mental health alongside other established services. More research is still needed on strategies for fathers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Journal of Family Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/fam0001501

Authors: Yunying Le, Maggie O. T. Allen, Scott M. Stanley, Michelle Nida, Galena K. Rhoades

Institution: University of Denver

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services