PIRI: Parent-Infant Research Institute

14/09/2026

New research shows DadBooster can help dads experiencing depression after having a baby

Becoming a dad is a huge life change. Alongside the excitement, many fathers experience stress, worry, low mood or feelings of being overwhelmed.

New research from the Parent-Infant Research Institute has found that DadBooster, our free online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program designed specifically for fathers, can help dads experiencing postnatal depression.

In a randomised controlled trial involving Australian fathers:

💙 Depression symptoms reduced by an average of 72% over 12 weeks
💙 Fathers reported improvements in stress and confidence as parents
💙 80% completed four or more of the six sessions of the program

Every dad’s experience of becoming a parent is different. Support is available, and asking for help is a strength.

Read the research and find out more about DadBooster: https://www.piri.org.au/dadbooster-improves-outcomes-for-fathers/

Journal of Medical Internet Research: https://www.jmir.org/2026/1/e94541

07/09/2026

A question can open the door. Support helps people walk through it.

New Australian research examining the impact of R U OK? Day provides an important reminder for everyone working in mental health promotion: awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough.

The study found that R U OK? Day was associated with improved self-reported mental wellbeing, particularly among men aged 25–49. However, it also found no detectable short-term increase in mental healthcare utilisation.

The finding highlights an important distinction:
Starting a conversation is not the same as creating access to support.

This has particular relevance in perinatal mental health. For parents experiencing anxiety, depression or emotional distress during pregnancy or early parenthood, recognising that something is wrong is often only the first step.

The next questions are:
• What am I experiencing?
• Is this normal?
• Where can I find reliable information?
• What support is available?

At PIRI, we believe effective mental health promotion requires a bridge between awareness and action. Conversations create opportunities. Accessible, evidence-based support helps people take the next step.

We’ve written more about what this research may teach us about supporting parents and families:
👉 https://www.piri.org.au/from-asking-are-you-ok-to-finding-support/

A new Australian study highlights an important lesson for mental health promotion: conversations matter, but people also need clear pathways to support.

06/09/2026

This Father’s Day, we acknowledge all the fathers, new dads, expectant dads and father figures supporting their families, along with those who may be finding this time difficult.

Support for fathers’ mental health is available. DadSpace offers information, self-assessment tools and access to DadBooster, PIRI’s free online treatment program for fathers experiencing depression during early parenthood.

Learn more at www.dadspace.com.au

04/09/2026

Father’s Day can bring many different emotions.

Becoming a father is a major life transition, and some dads experience stress, anxiety, low mood or difficulty adjusting during pregnancy and the early years of parenting.
This Father’s Day, take a moment to check in with the dads in your life.

DadSpace provides practical information, tools and support developed specifically for fathers.
Visit www.dadspace.com.au

03/09/2026

We’re looking for a **Senior Research Fellow** to join the team at the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI).

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced researcher with expertise in **implementation science and knowledge translation** to help us take evidence-based digital perinatal mental health programs into health, community and digital service settings.

You’ll work closely with PIRI’s research team on implementation and translation research, publications and grants, stakeholder partnerships, research projects and the dissemination of programs designed to improve outcomes for parents, infants and families.

📍 Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI)
📅 12-month fixed-term position
💼 Grade 3 or Grade 4
🤝 Job share may be considered
📆 Applications close Sunday 20 September 2026

Experience in digital mental health, perinatal mental health or health service innovation would be particularly valuable.

Interested? Find out more and apply https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4456970608/

Please share with anyone in your networks who might be a great fit.

27/08/2026

You are invited to join the STePPS CRE International Peer-Led Group, a growing international community bringing together PhD students, early- and mid-career researchers, and clinicians working in perinatal mental health.

Participants from across disciplines and countries are welcome to connect, share ideas, discuss research and support each other’s professional growth through meetings held every two months.

Our next meeting is on 23 September at 9:00 pm AEST.

Register for the next meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/s6q3Ga03RqylYbqAmNk8eg

23/08/2026

Being a new dad can be amazing… and challenging.

The transition to fatherhood brings many changes. Alongside the excitement of welcoming a baby, dads can experience new pressures, uncertainty, relationship changes, sleep challenges and moments where they wonder if what they are feeling is normal.

The DadSpace blog provides practical, evidence-informed information to support dads and families through this journey.

Explore articles covering:
👨‍👧 Understanding the emotional side of becoming a dad
💙 Supporting your partner through perinatal anxiety and depression
🤝 Strengthening your relationship after having a baby
🌱 Looking after your own wellbeing as a new dad

You don’t have to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone.

Visit the DadSpace blog for resources, information and support:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/blog/

20/08/2026

Having a baby brings major physical, emotional and practical changes. Alongside feelings of happiness and connection, the weeks and months after birth can also bring exhaustion, uncertainty, worry and periods of low mood.

For some women, these feelings become more persistent or intense and begin to interfere with everyday life. This may be a sign of postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety.

Postnatal depression, sometimes called postpartum depression, and postnatal anxiety are recognised and treatable mental health conditions. They are not signs of weakness, failure or being a bad parent, and you do not need to manage them on your own.

Learn the signs of postnatal depression and anxiety, how they differ from baby blues, when to seek help, and evidence-based treatment and support.
https://www.piri.org.au/support-for-parents/understanding-emotional-health-postnatal-depression/

18/08/2026

Supporting fathers’ mental health after the birth of a baby is an important part of perinatal care, yet many dads experiencing depression, anxiety, low mood or significant stress may not access traditional face-to-face support.

PIRI has published a new resource for health professionals explaining when and how to recommend DadBooster.

DadBooster is a free, six-session online cognitive behavioural therapy program developed specifically for fathers experiencing emotional difficulties in the postnatal period. It provides a flexible and private treatment option that can be used as part of usual care or alongside other appropriate support.

The new page covers:
• Why father-specific mental health support matters
• Who may benefit from DadBooster
• How to recommend the program to a father
• How DadBooster can fit alongside clinical care
• What fathers can expect from the program
• The evidence behind DadBooster
• Quality and accreditation
• Resources health professionals can share with fathers

Importantly, no formal referral is required. Fathers can access DadBooster directly after it has been recommended to them.

For GPs, psychologists, maternal and child health professionals, maternity services and others working with new parents, we hope this provides a practical resource for discussing another evidence-based treatment option with fathers who may need support.

👉 Learn more: https://www.piri.org.au/dadbooster-for-health-professionals/

18/08/2026

Dads need support too.

Becoming a father is a major life change. Along with the excitement, some dads experience stress, worry, low mood or feeling overwhelmed as they adjust to their new role.

DadBooster is a free online CBT treatment program designed specifically for fathers experiencing emotional difficulties during the transition to parenthood.

It provides practical strategies to help dads manage stress, improve wellbeing and build confidence in their role as a parent.

✔ Free and confidential
✔ Online and accessible from home
✔ Evidence-based CBT treatment
✔ Designed specifically for fathers

Learn more:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/programs/dadbooster/