The transition to parenthood is often not an easy one, presenting a whole new set of challenges to those who take on the role. Filled with many firsts and coupled with sleepless nights, seemingly constant crying, and the never-ending diaper changes it is no surprise that new parents may struggle to adjust to such a lifestyle change. As we know, the multitude of parenting research is focused on motherhood, with little attention directed towards new fathers. Where fathers do not exhibit the overwhelming magnitude of hormonal changes that come along with a new addition, they often adapt to parenthood differently. Previous research suggests that fathers take on their new role as a parent through emotional connection and physical touch, where spending time in contact with the infant may influence a more positive adaptation to fatherhood.
A recent study conducted by Madelon Riem and colleagues (2021) examined whether physical infant contact affected fathers’ neural reactivity. In order to do this, first-time fathers and their infants (average age of 2.5 months) were either given a soft baby carrier or a baby seat. Infants in the soft carrier were secured chest to chest with their fathers to increase physical contact. Infants in the baby seat remained within close proximity to their fathers during instances such as playful interaction. Both groups were instructed to use the carrier or the seat for at least six hours per week, over a course of three weeks in total.
The researchers were particularly interested in examining activity in the amygdala which is a small, almond-like structure located in the temporal lobe in each hemisphere of the brain. Each singular amygdala is a component of the limbic system, which is associated with our behavioral and emotional responses. More specifically, the amygdala is responsible for processing emotions associated with fear. It is the structure that is primarily associated with the well-known ‘fight-or-flight’ response, often triggered by feelings of a possible threat, distress, anxiety, and aggression. Previous research has also linked the amygdala to be particularly important in the recognition and processing of infant cues.
In order to determine effects on neural reactivity, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques were used to identify possible changes in specific areas of the brain. The fMRI is a noninvasive brain imaging method that detects changes in blood flow and increases of oxygen in pertinent brain structures. When an area of the brain is active, it consumes more oxygen. This causes blood flow to increase to that specific area in order to provide the structure with the necessary oxygen for increased functioning.
The results of the study revealed that fathers who received the infant carrier showed increased activity in the amygdala, compared with fathers who received the baby seat. Additionally, other brain areas associated with parenting also showed increased reactivity to crying in those fathers who used the infant carrier. These findings suggest that time spent in physical contact with the infant may influence attention toward infant signals. This study adds to previous research on amygdala activity, particularly in the context of protective paternal behaviors. By increasing activity in this region, it is possible that fathers experienced a heightened sense of alertness, fearing for potential threats to the infant’s safety. Furthermore, this study may indicate that physical connection may foster a more refined recognition of infant cues.
In conclusion, this novel study was successful in furthering the research on parent-infant relationships in the transition to fatherhood. These findings indicate that new fathers may benefit from infant carrying and therefore may adapt to their new role more readily through active involvement and physical connection.
Source:
Riem, M. M., Lotz, A. M., Horstman, L. I., Cima, M., Verhees, M. W., Alyousefi-van Dijk, K., … & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J. (2021). A soft baby carrier intervention enhances amygdala responses to infant crying in fathers: A randomized controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 132, 105380.
