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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Published on: August 13, 2015

Sensitive responsiveness in expectant and new fathers.

Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg¹, Marinus H van IJzendoorn²

¹ISPA, University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Psychology, Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.

Current Opinion in Psychology

|May 21, 2023

Summary

Fathers’ sensitive responsiveness is crucial for child development. Research explores a neurobiological model, finding interaction-focused interventions most promising for supporting fathers, though underlying mechanisms require further study.

Keywords:

Baby carrier Hormones Neurobiology Prenatal intervention fMRI

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Last Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

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Published on: August 13, 2015

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Published on: September 19, 2011

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

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Published on: April 5, 2024

Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Neurobiology
Parenting Research

Background:

Fathers' role as caregivers has gained recognition in recent decades.
Sensitive responsiveness from fathers positively influences child development.
Existing research often overlooks paternal contributions to early development.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a neurobiological model of sensitive responsive parenting in fathers.
To investigate the role of fathers' hormonal levels and neural processing of infant cues.
To test this model through empirical research and review existing findings.

Main Methods:

Correlational and randomized experimental studies within the "Father Trials" research program.
Examination of fathers' hormonal profiles and neural responses to infant signals.
Review of intervention strategies aimed at enhancing paternal sensitive responsiveness.

Main Results:

The neurobiological model provides a framework for understanding fathers' role in child development.
Interaction-focused behavioral interventions show promise in supporting fathers' sensitive responsiveness.
The precise neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be fully elucidated.

Conclusions:

Fathers' sensitive responsiveness is a key factor in positive child development.
Behavioral interventions targeting father-infant interaction appear effective.
Further research is needed to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of paternal caregiving.