The Role of Fathers in Child and Family Health

Abstract

Fathers’ involvement with their children has a substantial influence on both their children’s and their families’ health and development. Studied effects on child outcomes are reviewed within each phase of a child’s development (prenatal, infancy, childhood and adolescence). In addition, the impact of the physical and mental health of fathers on the health of their children is considered. This review advocates for policies enhancing father involvement, accessible and more extensive paternity leave, and increased attention to paternal postpartum depression by the medical community.