Parenthood as a Social Asset and Protective Factor
Impact on Well-being and Stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31211/interacoes.n50.2026.a1Keywords:
Fatherhood, Mental health, Well-being, Anxiety, Depression, StressAbstract
Parenthood constitutes a significant and multifaceted experience within the adult life cycle, carrying potential impacts—both positive and negative—on mental health. This study primarily aimed to analyze levels of well-being, anxiety, depression, and stress among parents and non-parents. A total of 473 individuals, aged between 18 and 74 years, participated in the study, divided into two groups: parents (n = 250) and non-parents (n = 223). Two self-report instruments were utilized: the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). The results revealed that parents exhibited significantly higher levels of social well-being and significantly lower levels of stress compared to non-parents. Furthermore, a trend toward higher levels of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression was observed among parents, although without reaching statistical significance. Sociodemographic variables, such as educational attainment, showed differences, highlighting that parents with higher education reported lower psychological symptomatology. These data underscore the importance of considering the context of parenthood in mental health promotion policies, demonstrating that this experience can function as a protective factor, particularly at the social and emotional levels.
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