A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that new dads who take longer parental leave are less likely to experience depressive symptoms. The research, which followed 746 Swedish fathers over 18 months, discovered that fathers who took 14 to 40 weeks of parental leave had a lower risk of developing depression than those who took only up to four weeks of leave.

Importance of Parental Leave for Fathers

The study’s findings highlight the significance of parental leave for fathers’ mental health. According to Dr. Michael Wells, a co-author of the study, fathers who take parental leave beyond the standard 90 days may have better mental health outcomes. This is likely due to the opportunity to build a closer connection with their child, feel more secure in their parenting role, and establish everyday routines.

The study’s results are particularly noteworthy, as previous research on parental leave has primarily focused on mothers’ health. The new study sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of fathers’ mental health and the importance of parental leave in supporting their well-being.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.