Sad Adoptive Dads: Paternal Depression in the Post-Adoption Period

Abstract

Despite understanding of the negative outcomes for children in a household with a depressed parent, fathers who experience postadoption depression have not been studied. This exploratory study describes adoption professionals’ perceptions of fathers’ experiences with postadoption depression. Twenty-five professionals who interact with adoptive families returned completed web-based survey data. Overall, respondents reported that fathers who experienced postadoption depression, were perceived as more likely to become disengaged from the family, and more likely to display anger and frustration rather than sadness or melancholy. Respondents appear divided on whether the adoptive father’s depression was a reaction to the mother’s depression. Mental health professionals should consider gender differences in depressive symptoms when assessing and treating adoptive fathers.