# Navigating Parenthood Alone: A Mixed-Method Study of Single Fathers’ Experiences and Needs Regarding Received Midwife and Child Health Nurse Support in Sweden

## TL;DR

This study explores the experiences and needs of single fathers in Sweden regarding professional support during early parenthood, highlighting their mental health and desire for equal parenting.

## Contribution

The study uniquely combines quantitative and qualitative methods to reveal single fathers' mental health disparities and unmet support needs.

## Key findings

- Single fathers reported higher depressive symptoms and weaker coparenting relationships compared to coupled fathers.
- Qualitative analysis revealed a central theme of wanting to be an equal parent, with needs for inclusion, support, and child relationships.
- Professional support is recommended to improve mental health and promote gender equality in parenting.

## Abstract

This mixed methods study aimed to first quantitatively compare single fathers’ levels of depressive symptoms, coparenting relationship quality, and father–infant bonding with coupled fathers, and then explore single fathers’ experiences and needs regarding professional support during the perinatal and early parenting period. Fathers (n = 1,589, of which 25 were single fathers) completed an online survey regarding their depressive symptoms, coparenting relationship, and father–infant bonding. From the quantitative survey, six single fathers (mean age 35 years) consented to participate in an individual digital interview. Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were used to compare coupled and single fathers, while qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. Single fathers reported having more depressive symptoms and weaker coparenting relationships compared to coupled fathers but had similar levels of infant bonding. After qualitatively exploring single fathers’ professional support needs during the transition to parenthood, one overarching theme was emphasized: Wanting to be an equal parent. This theme broke down into three categories: Desire to be included, Need of support and Relationship with the child. Single fathers can benefit from professional clinical support, where this support helps foster stronger coparenting relationships, improves paternal mental health, and promotes gender equality in parenting. For this to happen, fathers in general, and single fathers specifically, need to be seen as clients, with their own care needs. Guidelines and recommendations should be reviewed and clarified to encourage more egalitarian parenting, including considering giving fathers their own medical records and individualized visits. There is a need for further studies regarding single fathers’ experiences and support needs.