Fathers suffering from postnatal depression are more likely to think critically of themselves while talking to their offspring.
The Oxford University study compared comments made by depressed and non-depressed fathers during organised play time with their babies.
Examples from depressed dads included: “I’m not able to make you smile”; “Daddy’s not as good as Mummy”; “Are you tired?”; “Oh-oh, Daddy hasn’t lasted very long, has he?,” and “Can’t think of anything to do all of a sudden”.
Previous studies found that children are at increased risk of developing emotional and behavioural problems if their mother or father suffered from the condition.
Read more at University of Oxford