Poster #58 - Differential Patterns and Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Among Young, Black Fathers vs. Non-Fathers

• In Event: Poster Session 08

Abstract

Emerging literature suggests that a substantial number of new fathers experience depression in the early years of their child’s life (Whitley, 2021), and paternal depression is a risk factor for numerous domains of healthy development (Fletcher et al., 2011). Black men and fathers experience an increased risk of depression when compared to their White counterparts, often because they are disproportionately likely to have experienced adverse life circumstances (Watkins et al., 2006). The birth of a new child could increase this risk of depression – particularly among men experiencing contextual stress – as responsibilities and the demands of parenting grow. Nonetheless, despite the importance of understanding trajectories of paternal depression for child development little is known about continuity and change in paternal depression across the early years and the impact of the transition to parenthood on men’s depression. The aim of this study to examine whether trajectories of depressive symptoms among Black emerging adult men differed for those who were fathers vs. those who were not.

Method
The sample for this study was drawn from the African American Men’s Project (AMP), an ongoing longitudinal study of Black American emerging adults in the rural Southern United States. A total of 416 men who were fathers (n = 132) or non-fathers (n = 284) at baseline data collection were assessed at 3 timepoints approximately 18 months apart. All men completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale (CES-D; Radloff, 1977) at all 3 timepoints. A multi-group latent growth curve was estimated to compare the two groups using a single growth curve divided according to two groups: fathers and non-fathers.

Results
The model (Figure 1) fit the data well, 2(5) = 5.36, p = .37, CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .02, and showed differences between slopes and intercepts for the groups of fathers vs. non-fathers. There was no significant variance in the intercept or slope of depression scores for fathers, suggesting a lack of variability in starting points or growth trajectories across time for fathers. The intercept mean, or average starting point, was significant for both fathers and non-fathers. However, the individual variability of the intercept was only significant for non-fathers. The slope mean, or average change, was significant only for fathers. Although fathers started at a lower depressive symptoms score than non-fathers on average, depressive symptoms gradually increased for fathers over time (see Figure 2 for visual representation).

Discussion
Findings point to unique patterns of depressive symptoms for young, Black men who are fathers vs. non-fathers. For fathers in this population initial depressive symptoms are relatively lower, perhaps due to a strong sense of purpose in raising a young child. But as they and their child age the stress of parenthood may bring about increases in depressive symptoms not seen among men who are not yet fathers. Implications for fostering mental health and adaptive parenting practices among young, unmarried, Black fathers will be considered.

Group Authors

Clare R. Thomas

Authors

• Clare R. Thomas, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Geoffrey L. Brown, University of Georgia

• Steven M. Kogan, University of Georgia