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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 11/2006

01-11-2006 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Is parenthood associated with mental health?

Findings from an epidemiological community survey

Authors: Sylvia Helbig, Dipl.-Psych., Thomas Lampert, Michael Klose, Frank Jacobi

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 11/2006

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Abstract

Background

Despite some reports on a potential link between parenthood and mental health, associations have not been systematically investigated yet. The present article provides prevalence rates of the most common mental disorders for parents and non-parents. Interactions between demographic and socio-economic variables, parental status and mental health are explored.

Methods

Data from the 1998/99 German Health Survey (GHS) and its Mental Health Supplement (GHS-MHS) were analysed using logistic regression models. Analyses were restricted to participants in the age group 18 to 49 (N = 2,801). Mental disorders and syndromes were assessed with a standardized diagnostic interview (M-CIDI).

Results

Parenthood was associated with lower rates of psychiatric morbidity in general, and depressive and substance use disorders, in particular. The association between parental status and mental health was more distinct in men than in women, whereas partnership status moderated this relationship: An absence of partnership was associated with increased rates of all common mental disorders. Among non-parents, such a difference could not be found. Full-time employment, compared to part-time employment or unemployment, was linked to lower rates of the common mental disorders among fathers but not among mothers and non-parents. Age, education and income had no effects on the association between parental status and mental health.

Conclusion

Parenthood is positively associated with mental health, particularly for men. Most differences can be found for depressive and substance use disorders. Partnership seems especially important for parents since it does not affect prevalence rates of mental disorders among non-parents.
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Metadata
Title
Is parenthood associated with mental health?
Findings from an epidemiological community survey
Authors
Sylvia Helbig, Dipl.-Psych.
Thomas Lampert
Michael Klose
Frank Jacobi
Publication date
01-11-2006
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 11/2006
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-006-0113-8

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