American scientists have discovered remarkable processes in the brains of men who became fathers for the first time. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of North Carolina, was published in Human Brain Mapping and drew significant attention.
The experiment involved 32 young fathers. Eight months after their children were born, they underwent functional MRI scans. During the procedure, the men were shown different types of videos:
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short clips of their own children;
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images of unfamiliar infants;
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videos of their pregnant partners;
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photos of unknown women.
The results revealed that when fathers saw their own children, activity increased in the posterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. These brain areas are linked to emotion regulation and understanding others’ feelings. Interestingly, this heightened brain activity was observed only when fathers viewed their own children, not strangers or even their pregnant partners.
Researchers concluded that this reaction is not just a social response but a sign of a deep psychological bond between father and child.
Fatherhood also triggers hormonal changes in men:
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testosterone levels decrease;
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oxytocin and prolactin levels increase.
These shifts enhance paternal affection, strengthen emotional connections, and promote caregiving.
The study also showed that fatherhood activates brain networks responsible for emotion regulation, empathy, and sensitivity to a child’s needs. Such changes may persist long term.
This research expands our understanding of parent–child relationships, demonstrating that fatherhood also fundamentally alters brain function. Scientists now aim to study this process more deeply to strengthen father–child bonds and improve family psychological well-being.
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