Prolactin, Oxytocin, and the development of paternal behavior across the first six months of fatherhood.

TitleProlactin, Oxytocin, and the development of paternal behavior across the first six months of fatherhood.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsGordon, I., O. Zagoory-Sharon, J. F. Leckman, and R. Feldman
PubMed ID20399783
PubMed Central IDPMC3247300
Grant ListK05 MH076273 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
K05 MH076273-01 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
T32 MH018268 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States

Animal studies have implicated the neuropeptides Prolactin (PRL) and Oxytocin (OT) in processes of maternal bonding and PRL has similarly been shown to play a role in the neurophysiology of fatherhood. Yet, very little is known on the involvement of PRL and OT in human fathering. Forty-three fathers and their firstborn infant were seen twice: in the second and sixth postpartum months. Paternal plasma PRL and OT were sampled at both time-points and analyzed with ELISA methods. At six months fathers were videotaped interacting with their child in social and exploratory play contexts and interactions were micro-analyzed for father-infant Affect Synchrony and father facilitation of child toy exploration. PRL and OT showed high individual stability across time and were correlated at the second observation. PRL was related to father-infant Coordinated Exploratory Play in the toy context whereas OT was associated with father-infant Affect Synchrony in the social context. Results point to the role of PRL and OT in the development of human fathering and underscore their differential relations with patterns of paternal care.

Title Prolactin, Oxytocin, and the development of paternal behavior across the first six months of fatherhood.
Publication Title Horm Behav
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2010
Authors I. Gordon; O. Zagoory-Sharon; J.F. Leckman; R. Feldman
ISSN Number 1095-6867
PubMed ID 20399783
PubMed Central ID PMC3247300
Grant List
K05 MH076273 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States
K05 MH076273-01 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States
T32 MH018268 MH NIMH NIH HHS United States

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For breaking news and to stay connected, follow us on social media. Sign up to get our E-News delivered straight to your inbox.