The Anxious Achiever

More Than Breadwinners: The Mental Health of Working Fathers

Jun 26, 2024

Professor Brad Harrington and former TV anchor Liam Martin discuss the mental health struggles of working fathers, highlighting the lack of support and societal expectations. They share personal stories of balancing work and family life, managing role conflict, and prioritizing mental health. The podcast explores the challenges faced by working dads in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the importance of open communication and support from partners.

41:28

Episode guests

Brad Harrington

Liam Martin

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Expectations for fathers have shifted to emphasize being engaged parents, challenging traditional stereotypes.

Many working fathers experience role conflict between family and career, impacting mental health and life satisfaction.

Deep dives

Changing Expectations for Fathers

Traditional fatherhood stereotypes are evolving to include more engaged and present dads. Over the years, societal acceptance of fathers has expanded beyond just being breadwinners. Advertisements and media portrayals are shifting to emphasize fathers as nurturing and involved caretakers. Expectations for fathers now include being engaged parents, leading to a positive change in perceptions.

Intro

3min

Evolution of Fatherhood and Mental Health Struggles

15min

Challenges Faced by Working Fathers

5min

Navigating Work Identity and Family Priorities as Working Dads

5min

Balancing Work, Life, and Mental Health

10min

Discussion about a Public Relations Agency and a Call to Action for Listeners

2min

Just as working mothers increasingly feel pressure from all sides to achieve and be the best family members possible, expectations for fathers have shifted in recent years. But professor Brad Harrington and former TV anchor Liam Martin argue that the ecosystem of support for working fathers hasn’t been formed in the same it has for women. Brad’s research shows that working fathers increasingly feel conflicted about where they should spend their time, and how to manage the expectations society puts on them while balancing their own mental health. Liam shares his own personal story of recently leaving his job to protect his mental health and family’s quality of life. Like many of us, Liam hid his struggles and avoided asking for help. Many people manage "role conflict" - the struggle between being present for family and the need to be successful professionally, which can impact mental health.

Read Liam’s story of why he walked away from his job: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2024/04/07/liam-martin-fatherhood/