Postpartum Depression and Paternal-Infant Attachment in Iranian Fathers Publisher



Zarei Salehabadei M¹ ; Amini L² ; Haghani S³ ; Sadeghi Avval Shahr H⁴
Source: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Postnatal depression and inadequate father-child relationships can lead to negative infant behavioural outcomes and are correlated with higher infant mortality and lower child well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between paternal postpartum depression and father-infant attachment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 fathers with 2- to 6-months-old babies who were referred to the comprehensive health centres of Tehran between June 28 and 12 July 2023. Postpartum depression and paternal-infant attachment were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Paternal-Infant Attachment Scale (PIAS), respectively. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean depression score for fathers participating in the study was calculated as 10.14 ± 6.02 (range: 0–23). There was a significant negative relationship between the EPDS and PIAS total score (r = -0.72, p < 0.001), as well as between the EPDS score and PIAS scales including: patience and tolerance (r = -0.68, p < 0.001), pleasure in interaction (r = -0.62, p < 0.001), and affection and pride (r = -0.70, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fathers are susceptible to depression during the postpartum period, and postpartum depression diminishes the level of paternal-infant attachment. Based on these results, fathers require more attention and support during the postpartum period. © 2025 Society for Reproductive & Infant Psychology.