Majority of Fathers Face Financial Stress, Over Four in Ten Exhibit Symptoms of Depression
Struggling Fathers: Economic Pressure and Depression in Taiwan
A recent survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation in Taiwan has revealed that financial difficulties are the main cause of stress for fathers in the country, with over 80% of respondents admitting to struggling to cover essential family expenses since becoming parents [2][8]. This economic strain is strongly linked to signs of moderate to severe depression in more than 43% of the surveyed fathers [1][4][5].
The survey, published ahead of Father's Day in Taiwan, found that 62.9% of the respondents identified themselves as their household's primary earners [7]. Among these, about 21.9% of those expressing higher levels of depression feel that their salaries are insufficient [4]. Furthermore, nearly 5% of respondents who expressed higher levels of depression report that they do not make enough at all [4].
The survey also highlighted that 43.3% of the surveyed fathers showed signs of moderate to severe depression as measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 [3]. Fourteen point four percent of the fathers surveyed fell into the "severe" or "extremely severe" depression categories [3].
The Child Welfare League Foundation emphasizes the need for workplaces to be more supportive of parenting and allow parents to have a better work-life balance. They have launched a mental health support program last year, but 70% of survey respondents were not aware of it [6].
The next primary sources of stress for fathers are parenting, work, family responsibilities, and relationships. About 23% of respondents cite US tariffs as affecting their work and income [1].
The online survey was conducted between April 21 and May 26 and collected responses from 547 fathers with children aged 18 or younger. The age distribution shows that 46.4% of the respondents were in their 30s, and 43.5% were in their 40s [2].
About 49.5% of the respondents had one child, 42.4% had two children, and 8% had three or more children [2]. Interestingly, 4.7% of respondents said their income is not at all sufficient [4].
The survey results underscore the need for addressing the economic pressures faced by fathers in Taiwan and improving mental health support for parents. It is crucial to create a supportive environment that allows fathers to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
- Fathers in Taiwan who are struggling financially are more likely to experience mental health issues, as over 43% of the surveyed fathers showed signs of moderate to severe depression, and nearly 5% reported that they do not make enough money at all.
- The Child Welfare League Foundation's survey on fathers in Taiwan indicates a significant link between financial stress and mental health, as the respondents who expressed higher levels of depression often feel their salaries are insufficient or not at all sufficient, and they are not fully aware of the mental health support programs available to them.
