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Thijssen S, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, de Waal N, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Neural processing of cry sounds in the transition to fatherhood: Effects of a prenatal intervention program and associations with paternal caregiving. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107005. [PMID: 38432043 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This study examined whether neural processing of infant cry sounds changes across the transition to fatherhood (i.e., from the prenatal to postnatal period), and examined whether an interaction-based prenatal intervention modulated these changes. Furthermore, we explored whether postnatal activation in brain regions showing transition or intervention effects was associated with sensitive care and involvement. In a randomized controlled trial, 73 first-time expectant fathers were enrolled, of whom 59 had at least 1 available fMRI scan. Intervention and transition effects on cry processing were analyzed in the amygdala and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) using linear mixed effect models with all available data and with intent-to-treat analyses. Further, exploratory whole-brain analyses were performed. ROI analyses suggest that the transition to fatherhood is characterized by decreasing activation in response to cry vs control sounds in the amygdala but not SFG. Exploratory whole-brain analyses also show a decrease in activation over the transition to fatherhood in the sensorimotor cortex, superior lateral occipital cortex, hippocampus, and regions of the default mode network. In the putamen and insula, larger decreases were found in fathers with more adverse childhood caregiving experiences. In regions showing transitional changes, higher postnatal activation was associated with more concurrent parenting sensitivity. No effects of the intervention were found. The decrease in activation from the pre- to postnatal period may reflect fathers' habituation to cry sounds over repeated exposures. The positive association between postnatal neural activation and paternal sensitive care suggest that continued sensitivity to cry sounds may be conducive to parenting quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Thijssen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Noor de Waal
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- ISPA - University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Psychology, Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Rosan C, Dijk KAV, Darwin Z, Babalis D, Cornelius V, Phillips R, Richards L, Wright H, Pilling S, Fearon P, Pizzo E, Fonagy P. The COSI trial: a study protocol for a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial to explore the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the Circle of Security-Parenting Intervention in community perinatal mental health services in England. Trials 2023; 24:188. [PMID: 36915170 PMCID: PMC10012495 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mental health difficulties affect up to 27% of birthing parents during pregnancy and the first postnatal year, and if untreated are associated with difficulties in bonding and long-term adverse outcomes to children. There are large evidence gaps related to psychological treatment, particularly in group therapy approaches and parent-infant interventions. One intervention showing preliminary efficacious findings and user acceptability is Circle of Security-Parenting (COS-P), which is a brief, weekly, group programme. However, these studies were underpowered and predominantly non-randomised, and there has never been a research trial in England or with birthing parents experiencing severe and complex perinatal mental health difficulties. The aim of the research is to conduct a randomised control trial to test whether COS-P will reduce perinatal mental health symptoms in birthing parents accessing NHS perinatal mental health services, compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Secondary objectives include exploring whether the intervention improves parenting sensitivity, emotion regulation skills, attachment security and infant development. Additionally, the project aims to examine whether the intervention is acceptable to parents and NHS staff, and whether it is cost-effective. METHODS COSI is an individually randomised, single-blind parallel arm controlled trial with an embedded internal pilot aiming to recruit 369 participants in a 2:1 ratio (intervention: TAU). Participants will be recruited from ten NHS community perinatal mental health services in England and screened based on clinical levels of both mental health symptoms (average CORE-OM score ≥ 1.1) and postnatal bonding difficulties (total PBQ score ≥ 12). This trial has 90% power to detect a MCID of 5 points on the CORE-OM. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3, 7 and 12 months after baseline. Service use and quality of life measures will also be collected alongside a process evaluation of parents' and interveners' views and experiences. DISCUSSION This will be the first large pragmatic trial to test whether COS-P is effective for birthing parents with severe and complex perinatal mental health difficulties in improving their mental health symptoms. If shown to be effective, the intervention could be delivered widely across the NHS and other similar services globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN18308962. Registered 18 February 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Rosan
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK. .,Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney St, London, N1 9JH, UK.
| | | | - Zoe Darwin
- University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Daphne Babalis
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Cornelius
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Phillips
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lani Richards
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney St, London, N1 9JH, UK
| | - Hannah Wright
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.,Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney St, London, N1 9JH, UK
| | - Steve Pilling
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pasco Fearon
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elena Pizzo
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.,Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney St, London, N1 9JH, UK
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Buisman RSM, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, de Waal N, Kesarlal AR, Verhees MWFT, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Fathers' sensitive parenting enhanced by prenatal video-feedback: a randomized controlled trial using ultrasound imaging. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:1024-1030. [PMID: 35906314 PMCID: PMC10033405 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02183-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate an interaction-based prenatal parenting intervention program aimed at promoting parental sensitivity and involvement in expectant fathers using ultrasound images: Prenatal Video-Feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting (VIPP-PRE). METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 73 first-time, healthy expectant fathers were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the VIPP-PRE intervention (n = 39) or a dummy intervention (n = 34). Parental sensitivity was coded from video-recorded 10-min interactions with an infant simulator at a prenatal pretest and with fathers' own infant at a postnatal posttest. Prenatal and postnatal involvement was assessed via an application on participants' smartphones. RESULTS Fathers receiving VIPP-PRE demonstrated increased sensitivity across the perinatal period, relative to fathers receiving a dummy intervention. Fathers' involvement with the infant increased significantly from the prenatal to postnatal period, regardless of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal video-feedback using ultrasound imaging of the unborn child has the potential to promote the quality of parenting in an important, but understudied, population and period: men in the transition to fatherhood. Future research should examine the long-term effectiveness of VIPP-PRE and its effectiveness in increasing parenting quality in at-risk families. IMPACT This study identifies a brief and focused prenatal intervention using assisted interactions between the father and his baby by means of ultrasound imaging as a promising strategy to improve sensitive fathering in the early postnatal phase. Our study shows that pregnancy provides a window of opportunity for promoting prenatal involvement and bonding in expectant fathers, with potential long-term benefits for the future father-child relationship. Ultrasound measures are currently used to monitor fetal growth and development, but our results suggest that they may also create an opportunity for stimulating father-infant interaction to promote postnatal caregiving quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate S M Buisman
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Forensic Family and Youth Care Studies, Institute of Education and Child studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Noor de Waal
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ashwina R Kesarlal
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Forensic Family and Youth Care Studies, Institute of Education and Child studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine W F T Verhees
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, London, UK
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Attachment Research, The New School for Social Research, New York, USA
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Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Verhees MWFT, Lotz AM, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, van IJzendoorn MH. Is paternal oxytocin an oxymoron? Oxytocin, vasopressin, testosterone, oestradiol and cortisol in emerging fatherhood. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210060. [PMID: 35858109 PMCID: PMC9272151 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
How do hormonal levels in men change from pregnancy to after the birth of their firstborn child, and what is the role of oxytocin, alone or in interplay with other hormones, in explaining variance in their parenting quality? We explored in 73 first-time fathers the development of five hormones that have been suggested to play a role in parenting: oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP), testosterone (T), oestradiol (E2) and cortisol (Cort). In an extended group of fathers (N = 152) we examined associations with fathers’ behaviour with their 2-month-old infants. OT and E2 showed stability from the prenatal to the postnatal assessments, whereas AVP and T decreased significantly, and Cort decreased marginally. OT on its own or in interplay with other hormones was not related to paternal sensitivity. Using an exploratory approach, the interaction between T and E2 emerged as relevant for fathers’ sensitive parenting. Among fathers with high E2, high T was associated with lower sensitivity. Although we did not find evidence for the importance of OT as stand-alone hormone or in interplay with other hormones in this important phase in men's lives, the interaction between T and E2 in explaining variation in paternal behaviour is a promising hypothesis for further research. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1085 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine W. F. T. Verhees
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1085 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna M. Lotz
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1085 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1085 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H. van IJzendoorn
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, University of London, London W1T 7NF, UK
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de Waal N, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, Buisman RSM, Verhees MWFT, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. The prenatal video-feedback intervention to promote positive parenting for expectant fathers (VIPP-PRE): Two case studies. Infant Ment Health J 2022; 43:730-743. [PMID: 35913699 PMCID: PMC9545228 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Although parenting interventions including expectant fathers are scarce, they yield promising results. The Prenatal Video‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting (VIPP‐PRE) is a recently developed intervention, that is both manualized and personalized, aiming to enhance paternal sensitivity and involvement before the birth of the baby. Illustrating the intervention process, the current study presents two case studies of expectant fathers receiving VIPP‐PRE (clinical trial registration NL62696.058.17). The VIPP‐PRE program is described along with the individual dyads’ prenatal video fragments and feedback specific for each father‐fetus dyad. In addition, changes in paternal sensitivity and involvement levels are presented, as well as fathers’ and intervener's evaluation of the intervention. VIPP‐PRE promises to be a feasible short‐term and potentially effective parenting intervention for expectant fathers. Currently, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is under review that systematically investigates the efficacy of the VIPP‐PRE. Here we aim to provide further information on the intervention process, as well as fathers’ and intervener's evaluations of this process, and the benefits of using ultrasound imaging in a parenting intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor de Waal
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renate S M Buisman
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Forensic Family and Youth Care Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine W F T Verhees
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Verhees M, van IJzendoorn MH, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, Lotz AM, de Waal N, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Child maltreatment affects fathers’ response to infant crying, not mediated by cortisol or testosterone. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 8:100083. [PMID: 35757672 PMCID: PMC9216419 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents' ability to appropriately respond to infant crying is essential for parental care and has been found to relate to parents' own childhood experiences. Additionally, childhood experiences can affect endocrine factors, which may subsequently affect behavior. In the current study, preregistered on https://osf.io/hwgtu, we examined in expectant and new fathers (N = 152) associations between experiences of maltreatment in their own childhood, hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations and their ability to modulate handgrip force when exposed to infant crying. Cortisol and testosterone were quantified from the 1 cm of hair most proximal to the scalp using Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Participants were asked to squeeze a handgrip dynamometer at full and half strength while listening to infant cries and control sounds. Results indicated that fathers who experienced more childhood maltreatment used more excessive handgrip force during infant cry sounds. Hair cortisol and testosterone were not related to either experienced childhood maltreatment or handgrip strength modulation. These findings confirm that fathers’ early experiences of maltreatment reduce their ability to modulate their behavioral responses during infant cries, but suggest that hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations do not identify the underlying mechanism of this association. Childhood maltreatment relates to fathers' behavioural responses to infant crying. Childhood maltreatment is unrelated to fathers' hair cortisol and testosterone. Cortisol and testosterone are unrelated to behavioural responses to infant cries.
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Horstman LI, Riem MME, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, Lotz AM, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Fathers' Involvement in Early Childcare is Associated with Amygdala Resting-State Connectivity. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 17:198-205. [PMID: 34651177 PMCID: PMC8847902 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Becoming a parent requires new skills and frequent task switching during daily childcare. Little is known about the paternal brain during the transition to fatherhood. The present study examined intrinsic neuronal network connectivity in a group of first-time expectant and new fathers (total N = 131) using amygdala seed-based resting-state functional connectivity analysis. Furthermore, we examined the association between paternal involvement (i.e. hours spent in childcare and real-time push notifications on smartphone) and connectivity within the parental brain network in new fathers. There were no significant differences in functional connectivity between expectant and new fathers. However, results show that in new fathers, time spent in childcare was positively related to amygdala connectivity with the supramarginal gyrus, postcentral gyrus and the superior parietal lobule—all regions within the cognition/mentalizing network that have been associated with empathy and social cognition. Our results suggest that fathers’ time investment in childcare is related to connectivity networks in the parental brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa I Horstman
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Madelon M E Riem
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna M Lotz
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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8
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Riem MME, Lotz AM, Horstman LI, Cima M, Verhees MWFT, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. A soft baby carrier intervention enhances amygdala responses to infant crying in fathers: A randomized controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105380. [PMID: 34391194 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
New fathers may grow into their parental role through active involvement in childcare. Spending time in physical contact with the child may promote an adaptive transition to fatherhood. In this randomized controlled trial, we tested the effects of a baby carrier intervention on fathers' hormonal and neural functioning. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined whether infant carrying affects neural reactivity to infant crying in first-time fathers, taking into account the role of the hormone oxytocin as a mediating mechanism and fathers' own childhood experiences as a potential moderating factor. Sixty first-time fathers (infant age M = 11.18 weeks, SD = 2.08) were randomly assigned to a baby carrier intervention group (n = 32 fathers) or a control group (n = 28 fathers). Fathers in the intervention group were instructed to use a baby carrier for three weeks, whereas fathers in the control group were instructed to use a baby seat. Before and after the intervention salivary oxytocin was measured and neural reactivity to infant crying was assessed using fMRI. Results showed that the infant carrier intervention increased amygdala reactivity to infant crying compared to the infant seat users. This effect was most pronounced in fathers with experiences of childhood abuse. The carrier intervention did not affect fathers' oxytocin levels. Our findings indicate that spending time in physical contact with the infant may promote attention to and accurate perception of infant signals, in particular in fathers with more adverse childhood experiences. Soft baby carriers may, therefore, facilitate an adaptive transition to fatherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon M E Riem
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, The Netherlands; Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna M Lotz
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa I Horstman
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Cima
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, The Netherlands
| | - Martine W F T Verhees
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, University of London, UK
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Alyousefi-van Dijk K, de Waal N, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Development and feasibility of the prenatal video-feedback intervention to promote positive parenting for expectant fathers. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2021; 40:352-365. [PMID: 33586543 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2021.1886258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective: the transition period in which men become fathers might provide an important window of opportunity for parenting interventions that may produce long-term positive effects on paternal care and, consequently, child development. Existing prenatal programs traditionally focus on maternal and infant health and seldom involve the father.Study design: This paper describes an interaction-based prenatal parenting intervention program for first-time fathers using ultrasound images, the Prenatal video Feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting (VIPP-PRE). We randomised a group of expectant fathers (N = 73) to either the VIPP-PRE or a control condition.Results: Expectant fathers thought the VIPP-PRE was more helpful and influenced their insights into their babies to a greater extent than the control condition. Expectant fathers receiving the VIPP-PRE reported that they particularly liked seeing and interacting with their unborn children as well as receiving feedback on these interactions. The intervention was well received and was considered feasible by both expectant fathers and sonographers and midwives.Discussion: We discuss the VIPP-PRE based on the experiences and perspectives of fathers, interveners, and sonographers and midwives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noor de Waal
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Alyousefi-van Dijk K, van 't Veer AE, Meijer WM, Lotz AM, Rijlaarsdam J, Witteman J, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Vasopressin Differentially Affects Handgrip Force of Expectant Fathers in Reaction to Own and Unknown Infant Faces. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:105. [PMID: 31164810 PMCID: PMC6536625 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of paternal responses to infant signals are poorly understood. Vasopressin has previously been proposed to affect these responses. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject design (N = 25 expectant fathers), we examined the effect of vasopressin administration on the use of excessive handgrip force during exposure to infant crying versus matched control sounds, while participants saw morphed images representing their own infant versus an unknown infant. We found that, compared to placebo, AVP administration elicited more excessive force while viewing an unknown infant image compared to viewing the image representing one’s own infant, while the reverse was true under placebo. The results are discussed in light of vasopressin’s role in parenting and parental protection among human fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Alyousefi-van Dijk
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anna E van 't Veer
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Methodology and Statistics Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Willemijn M Meijer
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna M Lotz
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jurriaan Witteman
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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