A structural equation model analysis of the relationship between maternal fear of childbirth and expectant fathers' fear of childbirth: The mediating role of fathers' depression, anxiety, and stress

Introduction Some fathers experience traumatic and unpleasant feelings such as fear of childbirth during pregnancy and childbirth. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of the expectant fathers' depression, anxiety, and stress in the relationship between maternal fear of childbirth and paternal fear of childbirth. Methods In this cross-sectional study, using a two-stage sampling method, 502 expectant Iranian fathers and their wives in the second half of pregnancy were recruited. The participants completed self-administered questionnaires, including the fathers' fear of childbirth scale, the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire, and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling was employed in the Amos software version 24. Results Results indicated an acceptable fit of the model to the data. Maternal fear of childbirth was associated with paternal fear of childbirth, directly (beta = 0.23, p = .046) and indirectly through the mediator of paternal depression, anxiety, and stress (beta = .17, p = .007). The expectant fathers' stress had a greater impact on their fear of childbirth. Conclusions By considering the role of maternal fear of childbirth as well as expectant fathers' depression, anxiety, and stress on paternal fear of childbirth, it seems this study has some practical implications for improving the fathers' psychological well-being.

Automated summary

This study identified the relationship between maternal fear of childbirth and paternal fear of childbirth, with expectant fathers' stress having a greater impact on their fear of childbirth. It suggests practical implications for improving the fathers' psychological well-being by considering the role of maternal fear of childbirth and expectant fathers' depression, anxiety, and stress.