Yes, but with a catch: it helps most when the leave is paid and actually usable.
The research points in a pretty consistent direction. Paternity or shared parental leave is linked with better partner support, more father involvement, and lower stress around the postpartum period. Some studies also connect leave-taking with better relationship quality and more mental health care use when parents are both able to take time off together.
What it does not do is magically solve everything. A short unpaid leave that nobody can afford to take will not have the same effect as a real, protected, paid leave.
So the honest answer is that paternity leave can improve family mental health, but only when the policy is real enough for a family to use it.
Sources
This is general information, not professional medical advice. For decisions about your situation, talk to a qualified professional.
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