Top > Research results > From the early stages of pregnancy of the partner, there are large individual differences in the development of the parental brain of the father Kyoto University

2020/12/9

From the early stages of pregnancy of the partner, there are large individual differences in the development of the parental brain of the father Kyoto University

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　Studies at Kyoto University and Azabu University have shown that the father's intimate brain begins to develop slowly during the pregnancy of the partner, but there are large individual differences.

　In modern Japanese society, the burden of child-rearing is often concentrated on one mother, and fathers' participation in child-rearing is drawing attention.Previous studies have shown that a region of the brain called the "parental brain" is active in response to childcare stimuli, but when did the father's parental brain develop and how many individuals there? It was not known if there was a difference.

　In this study, a total of 36 males (fathers) who are pregnant with their first childbirth and 36 males who do not plan to have children (control group) are targeted for brain activity while watching videos related to childcare. And examined the hormone levels (testosterone / oxytocin) and psychological / behavioral characteristics related to childcare.Then, the relationship between them and the activity pattern of the parental brain was examined and compared.

　As a result, in both groups, the activity of the parental brain region was confirmed by watching the video about childcare.This means that there is potentially intimacy-related brain function, whether or not the child is actually (planned), while in the fathers and controls, the islands. There was a difference in the activity of some brain regions called), indicating that the development of the parental brain of a man who is going to be a father has already started during the pregnancy of his partner.

　In addition, it was found that there are large individual differences in the activity patterns of the parental brain, and the individual differences are related to psychological and behavioral characteristics such as "image of childcare" and "average working hours per week".On the other hand, no significant association was found between hormone levels and individual differences in the parental brain.

　This research is the first step in elucidating the process by which a father develops intimacy, and is expected to contribute to the proposal of "individual" support methods that foster intimacy according to the individuality of the father. NS.

Paper information:[Neuro Image] Development of the Paternal Brain in Expectant Fathers During Early Pregnancy

Kyoto University

Foster a free academic style based on the spirit of "self-respect for self-weight" and open up a world of creative learning.

With the motto of self-study, we will continue to maintain a free academic style that is not bound by common sense, and develop human resources who have both creativity and practical ability.We provide an inclusive learning space that allows for diverse and hierarchical choices so that students themselves can choose a solid future through valuable trial and error. […]

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Azabu University

Aim to become a specialist by learning closely about our lives such as animals, food, environment and health!

The roots of Azabu University go back to the "Tokyo Veterinary Training Center" established in 23 by Totaka Yokura in Azabu, Tokyo (currently Minami Azabu, Minato-ku). Opened as Azabu Veterinary University in 1890 and renamed Azabu University in 1950.At Azabu University, under the founding spirit of "the study of science and sincere practice" […]

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