'Working Out Dads' to promote men's mental and physical health in early fatherhood: A mixed-methods evaluation. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giallo, Rebecca; Williams, Le Ann; Seymour, Monique; Jillard, Chris; Peace, Ryan; O'Brien, Jacquie; Evans, Kirsty; Brown, Stephanie; Wood, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Journal of family studies. Volume 28:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 438
• Page End: 459
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Father -- mental health -- physical health -- social outcomes -- intervention; Families -- Periodicals; Family; Famille -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 306.85
• DOI: 10.1080/13229400.2020.1729838
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-9400

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Mental and physical health problems are common during early fatherhood. The current study aimed to assess a broad range of mental, physical and social outcomes for fathers of young children (aged 0–4 years) participating in a pilot evaluation of 'Working Out Dads' (WOD). These results were complemented by a nested qualitative study capturing the perceived outcomes for fathers. The sample consisted of 53 fathers who completed pre-, post- and 3-month follow-up measures. There were significant reductions in psychological distress, depression, anxiety and stress from pre- to post-intervention, which were maintained at 3-month follow-up. There were significant improvements in perceived vitality levels across all time points, and improvements in general physical health, social support and parenting self-efficacy from pre- to the 3-month follow-up. The nested qualitative results revealed that fathers and their partners perceived positive changes to paternal health, social support, parenting and the couple relationship. These findings contribute to the evidence-base for interventions targeting fathers' health in the early years of their children's lives. The current findings will be used to inform further development of WOD.