What is a common reason fathers may underreport depressive symptoms?

Fathers may underreport depressive symptoms primarily due to the social stigma surrounding masculinity. Traditional views of masculinity often emphasize characteristics such as strength, stoicism, and self-reliance, which can create pressure for men to suppress their emotional expression and vulnerability. This stigma can lead fathers to fear being judged or perceived as weak if they share their mental health struggles, resulting in a reluctance to acknowledge or report depressive symptoms. This is particularly relevant in the context of fatherhood, where societal expectations may dictate that men should be the caregivers and emotional backbone of the family, further discouraging them from seeking help or admitting to feeling depressed.

While fear of medication and high levels of newborn stress can influence a father's mental health behaviors, they do not directly address the broader social pressures and stigma that often contribute to underreporting. Similarly, a desire for increased social interaction does not relate directly to depressive symptomatology; instead, it may stem from a need for connection and support, which can sometimes be undermined by feelings of depression. The influence of societal expectations on men's emotional expression remains a significant factor in this context.