A new study from Northwestern University and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago highlights the important role paid paternity leave plays in supporting new fathers’ mental health after the birth of a baby.
Using data from a large, population-representative survey, the study found that fathers face significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression when they don’t have paid leave or are unable to take the time they need.
The bottom line is that there is a link between mental health and parental leave. Our findings highlight that paternity leave is not just a workplace benefit, but a public health issue that can have serious implications for families and children. ”
Dr. Craig Garfield, corresponding author and paternity expert, professor of pediatrics and medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and pediatrician at Lurie Children’s
The study was published June 18th. American Journal of Public Health.
Scientists analyzed data from the 2022-2023 Ohio Father Study (OFS), one of the most comprehensive sources of information on fathers’ experiences during the perinatal period in the United States, and used validated screening tools for depression and anxiety to examine the relationship between absence status and mental health outcomes. Of the 4,290 new fathers who participated in the study, 6.6% had depression and 11% had anxiety. Fifteen percent of fathers took no leave. 54% took paid leave. 22% took unpaid leave. And 9% took a combination of unpaid and paid time off.
Breakdown of findings:
- Unpaid leave is associated with increased anxiety: Fathers who took unpaid leave were 58% more likely to report symptoms of anxiety compared to fathers who took paid leave.
- Taking time off is strongly associated with mental health risks: Fathers who reported wanting to take time off but not taking it were more likely to experience symptoms of both depression and anxiety.
- Significant financial barriers: Among fathers experiencing mental health symptoms, financial barriers were the most commonly cited barrier to taking leave (approximately 75% of fathers with depression symptoms and 71% of fathers with anxiety symptoms).
It is well documented that the transition to parenthood is an emotionally and psychologically vulnerable time for mothers, but this study highlights how fathers are also at risk. Despite increasing recognition of fathers’ role in young children’s development, policies and workplace norms are often slow to respond to fathers’ needs. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that equitable access to paid parental leave can have a wide range of benefits, including:
- Improving fathers’ mental health
- Stronger parent-child bond
- Improving family stability and well-being
What this means for policy makers and employers
The results point to actionable opportunities for policymakers and employers alike. Garfield said expanding paid parental leave programs, addressing financial barriers and normalizing paternity leave access could have a measurable impact on the nation’s health.
“The United States continues to debate how best to support families from day one, and paid parental leave is one valuable tool we can leverage,” Garfield said. “Our results show that paid leave can help new dads start life as fathers, giving them the time and resources to get them on the right path.”
Plans to further survey the national population
This study builds on previous research by Garfield. A previous study published in 2025 found that 64% of fathers reported taking less than two weeks of leave after the birth of their child, and only 36% of fathers reported taking more than two weeks of leave. The study used data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Fathers (PRAMS for Dads study), which Garfield created and first piloted in Georgia in 2018. PRAMS for Dads will soon conduct survey responses in 11 states, which will help promote the effort nationally, Garfield said.
“Mothers and children are certainly important, but as Father’s Day approaches, we need to think holistically about families and how they function in today’s society to ensure the best outcomes for children and families. States across the country recognize this gap in important perinatal public health data, and we are excited to find solutions.”
The study is titled “Paternal Leave Status and Mental Health Symptoms of Ohio Fathers: A Population-Representative Survey, 2022-2023.” Clarissa Simon is co-author. This research was also conducted in collaboration with the Medical University of Ohio Government Resource Center.
sauce:
Reference magazines:
Garfield, C.F. others. (2026) Paternal leave status and mental health symptoms in Ohio: Population representative survey, 2022-2023. American Journal of Public Health. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2026.308554. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308554
