A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Universal Internet-Based Intervention for Perinatal Mental Health in Women: Are There Any Spillover Effects on Fathers?

Fathers’ well-being is at risk during the transition to parenthood, and consequences may extend to the whole family. Most interventions focus on mothers and examining whether such interventions affect fathers’ well-being is important. This study examined the effects on subjective well-being in male partners of women receiving a digital, universal program (“Mamma Mia”) in the perinatal period. The study is a randomized controlled trial with 305 male partners of women who either received (1) Mamma Mia and standard care or (2) standard care only. The fathers did not receive the intervention directly, but the women were encouraged to include their partners. Fathers completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule at gestational week 37, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months postpartum. Linear mixed-effect models were used to investigate changes in subjective well-being over time. All models were also adjusted for demographic variables collected at baseline. We found no systematic differences between groups. Adjustment of demographic variables yielded no differences. In sum, there was no evidence of spillover effects from women to their partners. Accordingly, any changes in fathers’ subjective well-being could not be attributed to the women receiving Mamma Mia.