Faculty Publications

The Impact of Undermining Coparenting on the Mental and Physical Health Outcomes of Black Fathers: The Role of Depression and Restrictive Emotionality

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Black fathers, Coparenting, mental health, physical health, social determinants of health

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Social Work in Public Health

Volume

39

Issue

7

First Page

568

Last Page

585

Abstract

The parenting literature has established the coparenting relationship as central to the parenting behaviors and outcomes of men. The construct of coparenting encompasses supportive efforts among individuals that facilitate the rearing of children and unsupportive actions that can undermine parenting efforts (Merrifield & Gamble, 2013). Few studies have examined undermining coparenting as an experience that shapes Black men’s health outcomes. In this study, we apply the social determinants of health framework to examine the impact of Black fathers’ perceptions of undermining coparenting on their self-reported ratings of mental and physical health. Using a nationally representative sample of Black men (n = 255), correlational analyses revealed perceptions of undermining coparenting to be a significant predictor of higher levels of anger and poorer perceptions of physical health. These relationships were found to be mediated by depressive symptoms and moderated by restrictive emotionality. It is recommended that the negative impact of undermining coparenting on health be considered as a potential comorbidity contributing to negative health outcomes for Black men. This study adds to the literature on coparenting, Black men’s health, and Black fatherhood more generally and urges policymakers and practitioners to consider undermining as an often overlooked, but significant, social determinant of health impacting the well-being of Black men. We also offer recommendations for promoting Black men’s health by educating families on the effects of undermining and offering the supports necessary for achieving positive coparenting dynamics.

Department

Department of Social Work

Original Publication Date

7-31-2024

DOI of published version

10.1080/19371918.2024.2370781

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