A new publication, 'Dad Brain: The new science of fatherhood and how it shapes men’s lives' by psychologist Darby Saxbe, is urging a re-evaluation of how society and science perceive the role of fathers. The book, reviewed by Olivia Goldhill for New Scientist, highlights a significant gap in research, with studies on mothers outnumbering those on fathers by a factor of ten, despite the profound impact fathers have on family wellbeing.
Saxbe, a psychologist at the University of Southern California specialising in parenting research, makes a compelling case for understanding the paternal brain. Her work, alongside findings from neuroimaging and ethnographic studies, uncovers unexpected details, such as a correlation between fathers with smaller testicles and a stronger brain response to images of their babies, alongside being rated as more hands-on parents by their partners. This research underscores that paternal engagement is closely linked to the mental wellbeing of both partners and children, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to family support.
The book also delves into the diverse cultural expectations of fatherhood globally. For instance, Aka fathers in the Republic of the Congo are noted for their extensive physical involvement with infants, often holding them for nearly half their waking hours. This contrasts sharply with the Kipsigis people in East Africa, where cultural beliefs dictate men should not see their newborns in the initial weeks. These examples illustrate the wide spectrum of paternal involvement beyond biological ties, which often limit mothers through pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Saxbe points out that the oversight of fathers extends to healthcare systems. She describes scenarios where, following a premature birth, mothers receive extensive post-birth care while fathers, despite potentially experiencing trauma, are often left unsupported as they are not typically classified as 'patients'. This systemic neglect can have significant implications for a father's own mental health and their ability to support their family during critical times.
Despite these challenges, the book reinforces the crucial importance of engaged fathers. Research cited by Saxbe indicates that active paternal involvement is strongly linked to a child’s mental wellbeing, even from an early age, with toddlers waking less frequently at night when fathers are part of bedtime routines. While acknowledging different roles for mothers and fathers, Saxbe cautions against oversimplifying these differences, citing how a small study on oxytocin levels in parents was misinterpreted on social media to suggest children receive 'peak oxytocin' from mothers, when the research actually showed higher oxytocin in fathers during active play and the inverse for mothers during affectionate touch.