Adverse childhood experiences and mental health during the transition to fatherhood

This quantitative study examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health among 718 first-time Australian fathers. A dose-response relationship was identified, meaning that fathers’ depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and wellbeing generally worsened as the number of ACEs increased. Childhood sexual abuse, feeling unloved and verbal abuse were the childhood adversities most consistently associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower wellbeing among new fathers.

Why is this important?

• The transition to fatherhood is often accompanied by major changes in identity, relationships, finances, health behaviours and wellbeing. This period can increase vulnerability to depressive and anxiety symptoms and reduce wellbeing among new fathers.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poorer mental health across the lifespan. However, most research examining ACEs during the transition to parenthood has focused on mothers, leaving limited evidence about fathers.

What did they do?

• The authors examined the relationship between ACEs and the mental health and wellbeing of first-time Australian fathers during the first year after their child’s birth.
• They analysed data from 718 fathers participating in the Australian nationally representative longitudinal Ten to Men study. Fathers reported childhood adversity using the ACE-10 questionnaire and completed measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, problematic alcohol use and wellbeing.

What did they find?

• Nearly two-thirds of fathers (62%) reported at least one ACE, and nearly one in five fathers (17.5%) reported four or more ACEs.
• A dose-response relationship was identified, meaning that fathers’ depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and wellbeing generally worsened as the number of adverse childhood experiences increased. The study found no significant relationship between cumulative ACE exposure and problematic alcohol use.
• Childhood sexual abuse, feeling unloved and verbal abuse were the childhood adversities most consistently associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower wellbeing among new fathers.
• Childhood exposure to household substance use was associated with problematic alcohol use during the transition to fatherhood.

What does this mean for practice?

• The findings highlight the importance of taking a life-course perspective when supporting parents. Current wellbeing may be influenced by earlier experiences as well as present-day parenting challenges.
• Perinatal and family services can help promote family wellbeing by ensuring all parents within a given family are included in conversations about mental health, adjustment to parenthood and support needs.
• Practitioners should recognise that some fathers may enter parenthood carrying the effects of earlier adversity. Exploring fathers’ experiences and wellbeing may help identify support needs that are not immediately visible during the transition to parenthood.
• Services can help by providing opportunities for discussion, assessment and referral where appropriate.

This summary is one of the child mental health research highlights for September 2026, prepared by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).