Norwegian researchers have reported an expectant father's distress during pregnancy may significantly increase his unborn child's behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties at the age of 3 years. These associations persisted after adjusting for many variables, including the mother's mental health. Earlier research has shown similar links to mothers mental health. The reasons for these findings are not fully understood. More research is needed before causation can be determined.
PositiveTip: Parents should positively deal with the distress in their lives–or it may affect their offspring in negative ways.