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The impact of parenthood on mental health within the academic community: highlighting vulnerabilities and identifying high-risk groups

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Rocha

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Fernanda Staniscuaski

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul)

  • Marta F. Nudelman

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Rachel Lana

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Rony M. Martins

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Orlando Fernandes Jr

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Arthur V. Machado

    (Fluminense Federal University
    Fluminense Federal University)

  • Izabela Mocaiber

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Pâmela Mello-Carpes

    (Federal University of Pampa)

  • Camila Infanger

    (University of São Paulo)

  • Fernanda Reichert

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul)

  • Rossana Soletti

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul)

  • Liana Catarina Lima Portugal

    (State University of Rio de Janeiro)

  • Zelia Maria da Costa Ludwig

    (Juiz de Fora Federal University)

  • Mirtes Pereira

    (Fluminense Federal University)

  • Leticia Oliveira

    (Fluminense Federal University)

Abstract

Members of the academic community who are parents, particularly mothers, often contend with an array of additional responsibilities that create a delicate balance between academic work on the one hand and childcare and household duties on the other. Consequently, they may experience a negative impact on both their scientific careers and mental well-being. This study seeks to explore the intricate relationship between parenthood and depression symptoms, with a specific emphasis on examining the factors that may shape how parenthood impacts the mental health of individuals within the academic community. We conducted an online survey to evaluate depression symptoms within the academic community in Brazil using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). A logistic regression analysis revealed that mothers were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression than nonmothers, while parenthood had no discernible effect on men. Further analysis within the subset of mothers revealed that factors contributing to the elevated risk of depression included assuming primary caregiving roles, having children with disabilities, being Black mothers, and lacking a support network. In summary, our findings suggested that mothers faced a higher risk of depression than nonmothers and than fathers, with specific factors contributing to this heightened vulnerability. In light of these results, it is crucial for the academic community to engage in open and supportive discussions about these challenges and actively provide assistance to vulnerable mothers dealing with depression.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Rocha & Fernanda Staniscuaski & Marta F. Nudelman & Rachel Lana & Rony M. Martins & Orlando Fernandes Jr & Arthur V. Machado & Izabela Mocaiber & Pâmela Mello-Carpes & Camila Infanger & Fernanda, 2025. "The impact of parenthood on mental health within the academic community: highlighting vulnerabilities and identifying high-risk groups," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05178-z
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05178-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lígia Passos & Filipe Prazeres & Andreia Teixeira & Carlos Martins, 2020. "Impact on Mental Health Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study in Portugal and Brazil," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Kathryn B H Clancy & Robin G Nelson & Julienne N Rutherford & Katie Hinde, 2014. "Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE): Trainees Report Harassment and Assault," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(7), pages 1-9, July.
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    4. Rosa Vilaseca & Fina Ferrer & Joan Guardia Olmos, 2014. "Gender differences in positive perceptions, anxiety, and depression among mothers and fathers of children with intellectual disabilities: a logistic regression analysis," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 2241-2253, July.
    5. Martin Pinquart & Silvia Sörensen, 2006. "Gender Differences in Caregiver Stressors, Social Resources, and Health: An Updated Meta-Analysis," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(1), pages 33-45.
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