Fatherhood changes everything. But why do some men adapt more positively to this seismic life transition than others? What are the pivotal factors that determine how well they’ll cope? Psychology researchers from Griffith University aim to find out.
That’s why they’re calling for men who are expecting their first children to take part in an online survey. Two follow-up surveys in the month the birth will chart how the dads are getting on. The aim: to track the challenges that new dads face and examine how their support networks change in order to see how this affects their experience and overall mental health.
Suffice to say, this is a welcome initiative. There’s been minimal research examining how men transition into fatherhood, despite the fact that dads play an ever-increasing role in family life.
The researchers hope their findings will arm dads with insights to help them step up to their new role, decrease family stress and improve their relationships with both their partners and children.
If you’re about to become a dad or know anyone that is, please get involved by following the details below.
The Criteria
To take part you need to be a first-time father and over the age of 18. The researchers are seeking men that are having a baby with a partner who is approximately 25 to 35 weeks pregnant and who is only expecting one child this pregnancy with no expected complications.
The Sweetener
At the completion of each survey, participants will be eligible to enter a draw for monthly gift hampers to the value of $50, drawn every month for 24 months, as well as enter the draw to win the grand prize of a weekend away including accommodation up to the value of $1000.
The study, and further information, can be found here or go to www.thenewdadsproject.com or fb.me/thenewdadsproject to find out more.
If you have any concerns or issues regarding the research being conducted, please contact Associate Professor Graham Bradley on 07 5678 8743 or g.bradley@griffith.edu.au.
If you have any questions about the research itself, please contact Stacey Bernardin on 0419 776 354 or email stacey.bernardin@griffithuni.edu.au.