Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral group therapy for fathers : a pilot study, effects on perceived social support, dyadic satisfaction and quality of life

Abstract

Objective: Researches have shown that fathers experience emotional difficulties in the postnatal period and it is more likely if the mother has emotional difficulties. Therapies exclusively for fathers have not been researched. This study takes on how fathers’ perceive social support, dyadic satisfaction and quality of life after receiving transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral group therapy (TCBGT) for fathers of infants. Furthermore, an analysis was done on the difference between those who completed treatment and those who dropped out. Method: Fathers of infants, 12 months or younger, were offered a brief TCBGT. There were 17 participants, ten of which completed the treatment. The treatment protocol consisted of six two hour sessions twice a week, one introduction session, and five therapy sessions. Participants answered background questions and the following self-report scales; Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Quality of Life Scale and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Results: The difference between the groups was marginally significant on stress and the effect size was large. Pre- and post-treatment measures on the QLS were significantly different, a large effect size was found and 40% of the fathers showed reliable change post-treatment. Conclusion: The completers were somewhat more stressed than the dropout group. Pre-treatment the fathers scored closer to a clinical sample on perceived quality of life but post-treatment their scores were similar to a normal sample. The review from the fathers on the treatment revealed they thought treatment was helpful. The treatment shows promising results but this field needs further research. Keywords: fathers, mental health, therapy, quality of life, social support, marital satisfaction