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Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression
Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613964955811840 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Van Zyl, Rikus Frederik Jacobus |
| author2 | Moen, M. |
| author_browse | Moen, M. Van Zyl, Rikus Frederik Jacobus |
| author_facet | Moen, M. Van Zyl, Rikus Frederik Jacobus |
| author_sort | Van Zyl, Rikus Frederik Jacobus |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134857 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:44:30.757Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134857 Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression Van Zyl, Rikus Frederik Jacobus Moen, M. Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Educational Psychology. Postpartum depression Fathers -- Mental health Father and child -- Psychological aspects Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Depression, Mental -- Social aspects UCTD Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. Van Zyl, R. F. J. 2025. Male Perceptions of Paternal Perinatal Depression. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/94da3cd9-56d8-4308-bff1-604e543c1914 ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Paternal perinatal depression (PPND) refers to depressive symptoms experienced by fathers from the time of their partner’s pregnancy until one year after the birth of their child. Although PPND is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, research indicated that its prevalence ranges from 8% to 10% in fathers during the perinatal period. PPND has garnered international attention, but there is a lack of research evidence on this condition in the South African context. The importance of PPND is underscored by the symptoms experienced by fathers during the perinatal period and the effects these symptoms can have on their relationships with their partners and children. A secure bond between father and child is especially important for healthy relationships and child development. Research indicated that if fathers do not establish a secure attachment bond with their children, it may lead to emotional and behavioural issues in their children. A phenomenological research design was followed for this qualitative research study. The purpose of the research was to gain insight into the views, opinions, and perceptions of South African men regarding PPND. A purposeful sampling method was used to identify participants. Data collection included focus group and individual interviews to collect data about the shared opinions of men and the implications of their understanding of this phenomenon. The empirical part of the study revealed that the men who participated in this study recognised PPND as a legitimate diagnosis that can affect males’ relationships with their families, especially their children. The data collected in this study indicated that most of the men recognised the psychological and emotional distress associated with the perinatal period. Although the men in the study were not diagnosed with PPND, they shared experiences from the perinatal period that highlighted how men who experience PPND can impact their children and families. The data collected during the focus group and semi-structured interviews showed that the men in the study exhibited similar behaviour patterns to men who claim to have experienced PPND. Additionally, they connected their shared experiences to international literature, which indicates that their actions and behaviours during this time align with the characteristics of PPND. The participants indicated that if PPND is disregarded or left untreated, it can lead to physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. The study amplifies the importance of educating men on PPND, highlights the importance of intervention strategies that can enhance the psychological and emotional wellbeing of men who are diagnosed with PPND, and discusses strategies to support families affected by PPND. The findings of the study highlight the need for research on PPND to improve understanding, prevention, treatment and support for men and families affected by PPND. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar nie. Masters 2026-01-13T06:47:55Z 2026-01-13T06:47:55Z 2025-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134857 Stellenbosch University 142 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Postpartum depression Fathers -- Mental health Father and child -- Psychological aspects Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Depression, Mental -- Social aspects UCTD Van Zyl, Rikus Frederik Jacobus Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| title | Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| title_full | Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| title_fullStr | Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| title_full_unstemmed | Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| title_short | Male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| title_sort | male perceptions of paternal perinatal depression |
| topic | Postpartum depression Fathers -- Mental health Father and child -- Psychological aspects Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Depression, Mental -- Social aspects UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134857 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT vanzylrikusfrederikjacobus maleperceptionsofpaternalperinataldepression |