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Mental health professionals have raised concerns over the psychological and emotional impact that paternity fraud could have on children’s well-being.
The physicians warned that paternity fraud could lead to suicidal ideation and emotional distress among affected young people.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts noted that the emotional fallout from learning about a non-biological parentage could be profound on children, especially when not properly communicated.
According to them, in some cases, paternity revelations could lead to a crisis of identity, which in extreme cases, manifests as suicidal thoughts or severe emotional turmoil.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing trend of paternity fraud, where children are discovered not to belong to their supposed fathers.
This phenomenon has left many families in shock, with some marriages ending in divorce due to the discovery.
Speaking on its impact on children, especially among those between the ages of five and nine, the experts stated that the psychological effects of discovering one’s biological parentage could be devastating, with children facing various emotional distress.
On the short-term impact, they said such children could suffer from anxiety, withdrawal from social interactions, and a decline in academic performance.
The physicians added that over time, the trauma could lead to chronic issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, difficulties in forming trusting relationships, and self-esteem problems.
The mental experts stressed the need for compassion and psychological preparedness in handling such situations.
They emphasised that children require assistance and direction that could improve their mental health and emotional well-being.
While noting that DNA testing could offer valuable insights, both physicians argued that these situations should be handled with compassion and sensitivity to avoid causing unnecessary harm to children.
A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, Dr. Yesiru Kareem, highlighted the profound emotional turmoil children could experience when they learn that a parent is not biologically related.
According to him, the immediate shock could lead to intense anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Kareem explained that while biological parenthood was one aspect of parenthood, it was not the sole determinant of familial bonds.
He stated that adoptive, surrogate, and foster parenthood were valid forms of parenting, stressing that the interpretation of DNA results should be carefully managed to avoid unnecessary trauma.
“The revelation that a parent is not biologically related can have a devastating impact on a child. The effects are not just immediate but can extend into long-term psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional instability,” he stated.
The psychiatrist recommended that families seek the support of mental health professionals to deliver the news and provide ongoing emotional support.
He noted that it was essential to tailor the explanation to the child’s developmental level and ensure that the child’s environment remains stable to minimise additional stress.
He argued that maintaining confidentiality was vital to protect children from public scrutiny and stigma, which could further harm their emotional well-being.
He stressed the importance of sensitive handling of such situations.
“Parents should be cautious about breaking such news to their children. Ideally, this should be done by professionals trained in managing and mitigating psychological trauma.
“The child’s emotional well-being must be prioritised, and efforts should be made to shield them from unnecessary exposure to the controversy,” he noted.
Kareem also highlighted the risk of social stigmatisation, lamenting that such children facing negative DNA test results might encounter judgment from their peers and community, further worsening their emotional struggles.
He maintained that the stigma could lead to further isolation and difficulties in coping.
The psychiatrist, however, called for a shift in perspective towards parenthood.
He emphasised that biological connections are only one aspect of familial relationships.
“Parenting transcends biological ties. Legal and emotional bonds are equally important,” he stated.
On her part, a Clinical Psychologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Juliet Ottoh, emphasised the importance of how the news could be communicated to children.
“How this information is delivered is crucial. A poorly managed revelation can worsen trauma, while a carefully planned and professionally guided approach can help mitigate some of the negative effects,” she explained.
The psychologist warned that negative paternity test results could have severe psychological consequences for children.
The mental health professional noted that such revelations could lead to emotional trauma, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in affected children.
According to her, the impact of discovering that the man they believed to be their father is not their biological parent can be profound. For children aged four to ten, the fallout from a negative DNA test can include a range of emotional issues. These include anxiety, confusion, and a sense of betrayal, as well as potential stigma from peers.
She added, “The immediate effects of this revelation can be distressing. Children might struggle with accepting the new reality and may experience a range of symptoms from withdrawal to aggression.”
Ottoh noted that this could also affect the children’s academic performance and social interactions.
Speaking on the long-term implications, the psychologist said the impact could be even more severe.
She pointed out that such revelations might lead children to develop trust issues, which can affect their relationships and self-esteem throughout their lives.
She stated, “Male children might grow up with a belief that women are untrustworthy, while female children might struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a fear of not being trusted.”
The mental physician advised that children should be provided with professional psychological support to help them process the information and manage their emotions.
She stressed that creating a stable and supportive environment, including a change of surroundings, might aid in the healing process for the children.
“The broader societal implications are also significant. Public knowledge of such family issues can lead to additional stigma and scrutiny, further compounding the children’s distress.
“In conclusion, while the quest for paternity verification is a personal and sometimes necessary decision, parents need to maintain caution and sensitivity.
“Ensuring the emotional well-being of children should be a priority, with a focus on supportive communication and professional guidance to mitigate the potential psychological damage,” she stressed.
Recently, a leading DNA testing centre, Smart DNA released its 2024 report on DNA testing in Nigeria which revealed that nearly 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted by the centre returned negative.
The report indicated that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children.
The report by the centre made available to PUNCH Healthwise also revealed that there had been a notable increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes.
The report also showed a significant geographical disparity in testing, with 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests conducted in Lagos.
Within the city, there was a clear divide between the Mainland and the Island, with Mainland tests comprising 67.5 per cent and Island tests 32.5 per cent.
On gender dynamics in test initiation, the report revealed that men requested 88.2 per cent of all tests, compared to 11.8 per cent of women.
Based on an ethical breakdown of paternity tests, the report added that the Yoruba group accounted for 53 per cent of the tests, while the Igbo made up 31.3 per cent, and the Hausa only 1.20 per cent.
The report also added that most tests were conducted on children aged zero to five years, reflecting a preference for early paternity confirmation.
According to the data, men aged 41 and older were the primary initiators of tests, suggesting concerns related to older paternal age.
The report also indicated that tests for male children were slightly more common than for female children, hinting at potential cultural preferences.
It further revealed that most tests of about 85.9 per cent, were conducted for personal reassurance rather than legal reasons.
