It May Be Possible To Predict A Father's Parenting Style Before The Baby Is Born

Historically, conversations about infant development have centered around the bond between mother and baby. . But, what about fathers? A new study seems to shed some light on the biological aspects of father/infant bonding.

The study

The University of Southern California’s Dornsife College conducted a study of 39 fathers-to-be. The participants were studied both during their partner’s pregnancy and then again three months postpartum. All of the participants were required to provide blood samples that were used to record oxytocin levels.

What is oxycontin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, controlling key aspects of human behavior. While oxytocin plays an essential role in female reproduction and mother/child bonding, it’s also associated with trust, empathy, and relationship-building in both men and women. 

What were the results of the study?

The fathers who had a higher level of oxytocin in their blood reported a more baby-led parenting style, meaning they were more likely to follow the cues of what a baby needs and engage in more physical closeness with their infant.  These men’s brains also showed more activation in the brain areas linked to "theory of mind."

What is the “theory of mind?”

Theory of mind is the ability to attribute mental states — beliefs, intents, desires, emotions, and knowledge — to ourselves and others. Theory of mind is an essential component of building relationships and engaging in daily social interactions. 

While it’s easy to assume that we are born with the ability to know that others have 

unique beliefs and desires that may differ from ours, the truth is that this skill takes time to develop and varies from one individual to the next.

In the study conducted by USC Dornsife, those men whose brains showed more activation in the areas linked to "theory of mind" reported having a more empathetic parenting style postpartum.

What are the implications of this study?

The study’s results seem to suggest that a father’s parenting style can be predicted, even before the baby is born. Even more importantly, according to Darby Saxbe, associate professor of psychology and the corresponding author of the study, the study may also help be useful in determining how to help men bond more closely with their children.

"There's really promising research suggesting that empathy can actually be trained and taught," she said.