Is parenthood associated with mental health? Findings from an epidemiological community survey.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Helbig
Sylvia
S
Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany. helbig@psychologie.tu-dresden.de
Lampert
Thomas
T
Klose
Michael
M
Jacobi
Frank
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires