Join us at the 2022 Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium (AFRS2022) on Thursday 5th to Friday 6th of May 2022.
AFRS2022 will be a hybrid event, held at Deakin Downtown in Melbourne and Online via Zoom. The symposium is an inclusive multi-disciplinary event open to individuals at all career stages with a special welcome to students interested in fatherhood.
The symposium is an annual opportunity for researchers to build and consolidate collaborations with other researchers and practitioners who work with fathers. The event is co-hosted by the Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University and the Family Action Centre, The University of Newcastle, and the Institute for Health Transformation. A range of disciplines are represented.
The event is co-hosted by the Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University and the Family Action Centre, The University of Newcastle, and the Institute for Health Transformation. A range of disciplines are represented. The symposium is organised by the Australian Fatherhood Research Consortium, which seeks to advance the science of fatherhood; inform practice and policy that supports men and their families; and, promote healthy inclusion of fathers in family life.
To find out more about AFRS2022 and register to attend, visit the symposium website at https://mappresearch.org/fatherhood-symposium-2022
Working with fathers
Parenthood is a time of transition requiring both mothers and fathers to adapt to new roles, demands and responsibilities. Parents need to continue to make changes to their life to accommodate their own changing needs, those of their baby and partner. This constant demand for adaptation can be draining on energy and resources and leave both mother and father exhausted and, in some cases, depressed and anxious.
It may surprise you that men may also experience symptoms of depression when expecting a new baby or becoming a new parent. 1 in 10 new or expectant dads experience perinatal anxiety or depression in Australia. Some mums and dads have more difficulties than others as they make this transition. Many dads struggle and feel very overwhelmed and stressed, and about 10% become depressed.
Becoming a dad doesn’t happen overnight and doesn’t happen without a fair amount of upheaval and challenges. Many Dads have spoken about the mix of feelings they have had as they plan for and take home their new baby on their journey to parenthood. Research conducted by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) shows that knowing what to expect and being prepared for these major life changes can help dads manage this transition.
As part of its commitment to building a brighter future and supporting fathers across Australia, PIRI is excited to be involved in the Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium 2022.
About the Parent-Infant Research Institute
The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is a vigorous and innovative Australian research institute whose vision is to improve the emotional well-being of parents and to optimise infant development. PIRI provides a unique contribution to early intervention by combining basic research and clinical expertise to address depression and other difficulties facing parents and infants. The Institute is a leading body recognized internationally for its cutting-edge research into perinatal depression and anxiety and translating research to practice.
PIRI’s 20-years of ground-breaking work has resulted in a suite of evidence-based programs that have and will continue to provide support to thousands of Australian mums, dads, children and their families. PIRI is a not-for-profit research institute which conducts international research and develops rigorously evaluated early intervention programs that enhance perinatal mental health and improve early parent-infant relationships (0-2 years). We remain absolutely committed to working with families and health professionals to ensure better outcomes and a bright future.