Examining Non-Maternal Support Needs During the Perinatal Period; Experiences of Fathers and Psychological Professionals.

Systematic Literature Review

This literature review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesise qualitative research exploring how fathers experience helpseeking for their mental health during the perinatal period. Three databases were systematically interrogated, eliciting nine studies meeting inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. Synthesis using Noblit and Hare’s (1998) methodology for meta-ethnography comprised two inter-related themes: Masculinity and helpseeking – encompassing cultural narratives and expectations conveying a masculine role as protector and provider, with fear of judgement influencing helpseeking; and Organisational barriers to helpseeking wherein perinatal services principally attended to mothers and invalidated male experiences with lack of tailored support.

Empirical Research Project

The study aimed to explore the experiences of psychology professionals working in perinatal mental health services in relation to work-related psychological distress. Qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews of 14 participants was conducted, with recruitment conducted through online groups and social media. Reflexive thematic analysis identified two over-arching themes: Resonance with own experiences, with subthemes Threat and Arousal Response, Inevitable Resonance and Transformation of Self; and Organisational Influence, with subthemes of The Clock is Ticking, Unresponsive Service Context and Nothing we do feels like enough. This study reveals for the first time the experiences of work-related distress in psychology professionals working in perinatal services. Although participants identified individual factors that influence the extent to which they experienced work-related distress, organisational and contextual factors are emphasised in influencing the extent of work-related distress.