Exploring the Manifestation of Post-Partum Depression in Men

Abstract

This qualitative study was designed to explore the manifestation of post-partum depression in men. There are growing number of fathers who undergo through this condition and are not self-aware because lack of recognition to this concept. This study found how men tend to experience this phenomenon and how it affects their lifestyle by using phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was used to approach the sample. A sample of 15 participants were reached out through purposive sampling approached to screen out the symptoms of post-partum depression among men by using a screening tool of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Nine participants out of 15 were found to have post-partum depressive symptoms. Only 7 out of 9 participant’s data was taken in main study after reaching at saturation point from semi-structured interview. Collected responses were transcribed and themes were generated through reflective thematic analysis (Saldana, 2021; Barun & Clarck, 2019). From the analysis, four major themes were generated from the study; sense of un-involvement, chaotic experiences, transitional phase and partner induced post-partum depression. These themes were divided into sub-themes that thoroughly discussed the demonstration of this phenomenon in men. The study was intended to instill a great sense of awareness among the public about the phenomenon of post-partum depression in fathers that tends to exist.