Jacqui Macdonald

Jacqui Macdonald is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Deakin University, where she leads the Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) research program and co-leads the Lifecourse Sciences Theme of Deakin's SEED Lifespan Research Centre. She serves as convenor of the Australian Fatherhood Research Consortium and is an active member of the Movember Global Men's Health Advisory Committee. Her academic career at Deakin University spans since 2012, progressing from Senior Lecturer to her current Associate Professor position.

Dr. Macdonald's research focuses on critical aspects of men's mental health, particularly as it relates to fatherhood and relationship transitions. Her work examines paternal perinatal mental health, relationship breakdown consequences for men, unplanned fatherhood experiences, and the intergenerational transmission of mental health patterns. She investigates how men's psychological wellbeing affects not only their own lives but also their partners and children's development. Her research employs diverse methodologies including systematic reviews, longitudinal cohort studies, and innovative digital interventions like SMS4dads.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on men's vulnerability during relationship transitions, particularly how separation and divorce significantly increase suicide risk among men. Her 2025 systematic review demonstrated that separated men are nearly five times more likely to die by suicide compared to married men, with the highest risk among men under 35. She also pioneered research showing consistent associations between fathers' mental distress during pregnancy and after birth with poorer child development outcomes across social, emotional, cognitive, and physical domains.

Dr. Macdonald receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council's Medical Research Future Fund and the Australian Research Council. She actively collaborates with organizations like Movember and Relationships Australia Victoria. Her research has informed policy discussions around perinatal mental health screening for fathers, arguing that supporting paternal mental health is crucial for the wellbeing of entire families. She advocates for routine screening of fathers during pregnancy and postpartum periods, similar to current practices for mothers.

Her work extends to developing practical interventions, including digital health tools that deliver evidence-based information to new fathers. She emphasizes the importance of addressing men's mental health proactively, particularly during major life transitions like fatherhood and relationship breakdown. Her research demonstrates that men's social networks and emotional regulation capabilities significantly impact their ability to navigate these challenging periods.