the psychology of fatherhood:
​dr. daniel b. singley's revolutionary perspective​

Have you ever pondered the psychological shifts a man undergoes in fatherhood? Join us in this episode as we explore this intriguing subject with Dr. Daniel B. Singley, a renowned psychologist and men's mental health pioneer. Dr. Singley is the founder of the Center for Men’s Excellence and a San Diego-based board-certified psychologist and Director with over 20 years of clinical experience. 

Together, we navigate the intricate world of paternal mental health, challenging outdated stereotypes and delving into the rich, often hidden emotional life of modern fathers. Dr. Singley shares enlightening findings on postpartum depression in men and the unique anxieties of fatherhood, drawing from his work, 'Parental Mental Health Factoring in Father.' A highlight of our conversation is his profound insights into the transformative power of father-child bonding — a topic close to our hearts and crucial for understanding the full spectrum of fatherhood.

This episode is a journey into the depths of paternal mental health and an opportunity to reshape our understanding of what it means to be a dad today. For mothers it is an opportunity to understand what goes through the minds of man during these changes, and how they respond to stress. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the emotional and psychological transformation of fatherhood.  subscribe and join the conversation. 
 

Key Highlights:
  • [00:05] Introduction to Dr. Daniel Singley and the Center for Men's Excellence
  • [04:30] Why Dr. Singley co-authored Parental Mental Health and its impact
  • [07:45] Understanding postpartum depression in fathers
  • [13:05] The emotional and relational challenges fathers face during early parenthood
  • [18:25] The cultural and historical shift in fatherhood roles
  • [25:55] Addressing societal stereotypes about masculinity and fatherhood
  • [35:10] The importance of emotional availability and authentic fathering
Top Quotes:
  • “Postpartum depression is not just for moms; fathers experience it too. Maternal postpartum depression is the number one predictor of paternal depression.”
  • “There’s a societal belief that dads are secondary in the parenting role, but research shows that highly involved fathers lead to better emotional and cognitive outcomes for children.”
  • “We need to break the traditional ideas of masculinity and embrace authenticity in fatherhood. It's not about being tough; it's about being emotionally available.”
Takeaways:
  • Fathers are equally important in the early stages of child development, and their mental health should be prioritized.
  • Anxiety is more prevalent in new fathers than depression, and it can have long-term effects if left unaddressed.
  • The transition to fatherhood is a significant identity shift for men, and it's crucial to support each other through it by breaking stigmas and sharing experiences.
Resources Mentioned: Connect with Dr. Daniel Singley: