A new study from Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has found that paid paternal leave plays an important role in supporting fathers’ mental health after the birth of a child. Using data from a large population-representative survey, researchers found that fathers who lacked access to paid leave, or who were unable to take the leave they needed, experienced significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. The findings reinforce growing evidence that fathers, like mothers, face emotional and psychological challenges during the transition to parenthood and may benefit from greater support during this period.
The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, analyzed data from the 2022–2023 Ohio Fatherhood Survey, one of the most comprehensive surveys examining fathers’ experiences during the perinatal period in the United States. Researchers assessed mental health outcomes among 4,290 new fathers using validated screening tools for anxiety and depression. Among participants, 6.6% reported symptoms of depression and 11% reported symptoms of anxiety. More than half of fathers (54%) took paid leave following the birth of their child, while 22% took unpaid leave, 9% used a combination of paid and unpaid leave, and 15% did not take any leave.
The study found a clear relationship between leave status and mental health. Fathers who took unpaid leave were 58% more likely to report anxiety symptoms than those who took paid leave. Mental health risks were even greater among fathers who wanted to take leave but were unable to do so. These men were more likely to experience symptoms of both depression and anxiety, suggesting that barriers preventing fathers from taking time off may have important consequences for their well-being during the early stages of parenthood.
Financial pressures emerged as one of the most significant obstacles to taking leave. Approximately three-quarters of fathers experiencing depressive symptoms and more than 70% of those with anxiety symptoms identified financial concerns as the primary reason they could not take time away from work. These findings highlight how economic barriers can limit fathers’ ability to spend time with their newborns and support their families during a critical period, while also increasing their vulnerability to mental health challenges.
According to lead researcher Dr. Craig Garfield, professor of pediatrics and medical social science at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a paediatrician at Lurie Children’s, the findings demonstrate that paternal leave is more than an employment benefit. “Mental health and paternity leave are linked,” he said. The researchers argue that expanding access to paid parental leave could yield benefits that extend beyond fathers themselves, including stronger parent-child bonding, improved family stability, and better overall family well-being. The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that equitable parental leave policies can contribute to healthier families and communities.
The findings also carry important implications for policymakers and employers. Expanding paid leave programmes, reducing financial barriers, and encouraging fathers to take leave may improve population health and family outcomes. The study builds on previous research showing that most fathers take less than two weeks of leave after the birth of a child. Looking ahead, Garfield plans to expand this work through the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads (PRAMS for Dads), which is being implemented in multiple states. As discussions continue about how best to support families from the earliest stages of parenthood, the researchers suggest that paid paternity leave represents a practical and effective tool for promoting the health and well-being of fathers, children, and families alike.
More information: Craig Garfield et al, Paternity Leave Status and Mental Health Symptoms Among Ohio Fathers: A Population-Representative Survey, 2022‒2023, American Journal of Public Health. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2026.308554
Journal information: American Journal of Public Health Provided by Northwestern University
