Research from the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) into DadBooster has been recognised with the Allied Health Poster Prize at ResearchFest 2026.
The award-winning poster, Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Paternal Postnatal Depression: DadBooster Development and Evaluation, highlighted findings from PIRI’s recent randomised controlled trial of DadBooster, the first online treatment program designed specifically for fathers with clinical depression.
Supporting fathers experiencing postnatal depression
Becoming a parent is a significant transition, and some fathers experience depression during the first year after the birth of their baby. Research shows paternal postnatal depression can have a significant impact on fathers, their partners and their children.
Despite this, fathers have often had fewer dedicated mental health support options available to them. Digital treatments provide an opportunity to make evidence-based support more accessible, particularly for parents who may find it difficult to attend traditional face-to-face services.
Evaluating DadBooster
DadBooster was developed as a self-guided online cognitive behavioural therapy program for fathers with postnatal depression. The program was modelled on PIRI’s successful MumMoodBooster program and was developed through co-design with fathers to ensure it reflected their experiences and needs.
The randomised controlled trial involved 50 fathers of babies aged under one year who met clinical criteria for a depressive disorder. Participants were randomly allocated to receive DadBooster or a waitlist control condition.
Promising results
The trial found that fathers who received DadBooster experienced significantly greater improvements in depression symptoms compared with those in the waitlist control group.
On average, depression symptoms reduced by 72% for fathers who received DadBooster, with scores reducing to the normal range at 12 weeks. Improvements were also seen in stress, parenting self-efficacy and negative automatic thoughts.
Engagement with the program was also high, with 80% of participants completing four or more sessions and low attrition throughout the trial.
Improving access to support for fathers
DadBooster provides fathers experiencing postnatal depression with a private, flexible and accessible treatment option. The program is accredited against the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards and is funded by the Australian Government for national rollout through DadSpace.
The recognition of this research through the Allied Health Poster Prize highlights the importance of developing accessible, evidence-based supports that include fathers as part of the perinatal mental health journey.
DadBooster is available free across Australia through DadSpace. Health professionals can also refer fathers to the program as part of supporting their mental health after the birth of a baby.
Download the DadBooster research poster
To learn more about DadBooster, visit www.dadspace.com.au
Mothers experiencing perinatal depression can also access free, evidence-based online support through MumMoodBooster, available nationally via MumSpace. Learn more at www.mumspace.com.au
