The Working Out
Dads Trial
Determining the effectiveness of WOD to reduce fathers' mental health difficulties in early parenthood
Working Out Dads is an innovative 6-week group-based peer support intervention for fathers of young children (0-4yrs) experiencing mental health difficulties and significant life stress. Developed by Tweddle Child and Family Health Service, WOD incorporates a 60-minute group discussion about being a dad and strategies to cope with stress, with a 30 minute group fitness session with a personal trainer.
We are conducting a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of WOD in reducing fathers' mental health difficulties in early parenthood.
What is already known?
One in 10 fathers of young children in Australia experience poor mental health, and 6% experience suicidal ideation. However, evidence-based interventions to reduce mental health difficulties in early fatherhood are lacking. Many fathers are reluctant to access support because of stigma and thinking they should be able to manage problems on their own. Some do not feel comfortable accessing services that seem to be designed primarily for mothers. Other fathers find it difficult to access services due to inflexible and long working hours. Early fatherhood is an opportune time for preventive intervention as fathers often attend child-focused services with their family, and for many, it is the first time since childhood that they have had regular contact with any healthcare provider.
What the study adds
This study will address the significant lack of interventions and supports for fathers experiencing mental health difficulties in the critical years of their children's lives. We will rigorously evaluate Working Out Dads - a potentially scalable intervention for fathers experiencing mental health difficulties. Findings from our trial will be the first internationally to provide high quality evidence about an intervention to promote the mental health of fathers of young children under 'real world' conditions.
What’s next?
We commenced recruitment for WOD in April 2021 and will be running WOD groups across Victoria between 2021-2023.
Where can I read more?
'Working Out Dads' to promote men's mental and physical health in early fatherhood: A mixed-methods evaluation
Giallo, R., Williams, L. A., Seymour, M., Jillard, C., Peace, R., O'Brien, J., Evans, K., Brown, S., & Wood, C. (2020). Journal of Family Studies, 1-22. doi:10.1080/13229400.2020.1729838.
"We're in the background": Facilitators and barriers to fathers' engagement and participation in a health intervention during the early parenting period
Seymour, M., Peace, R., Wood, C. E., Jillard, C., Evans, K., O'Brien, J., Williams, L. A., Brown, S., & Giallo, R. (2020). Health Promotion Journal of Australia. doi:10.1002/hpja.432
Want to contact the Working Out Dads team?
Casey Hosking
casey.hosking@mcri.edu.au
Monique Seymour
monique.seymour@mcri.edu.au
Alison Fogarty
ali.fogarty@mcri.edu.au
Rebecca Giallo
rebecca.giallo@mcri.edu.au