:: Current research project

Hormonal changes in expectant fathers, the couvade syndrome and parental responsivity

Animal studies have been documenting the association between hormonal changes and the emergence of parental behavior in both males and females of a variety of non-human species. In humans, there is also considerable evidence of a relationship between pre and postnatal hormonal variations in women and the expression of maternal behavior (e.g. Corter & Fleming, 2002). Data on the same processes in men has been limited to the works of Storey et al.(2000), Berg & Wynne-Edwards (2001) and Fleming et al. (2002).

Our current research on the psychoendocrinology of human paternal behavior builds on these pioneering works and comprises two empirical studies. In the 1st, of a longitudinal nature, we are interested in hormonal (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol and prolactin) changes over pregnancy in fathers, and how these relate to emotional and physical symptomatology and to paternal involvement. In the 2nd study, of an experimental nature, we are interested in how infant-related audio-visual stimuli affect short term hormonal responses and how these relate to affective reactions, in both expectant and non-expectant (non pregnant) couples.

Funded by: FCT - BD 11960/2002