“Dad brain”: How becoming a parent changes the brain, with Darby Saxbe, PhD

Speaking of Psychology · 2025-06-11

Becoming a parent is a huge life transition. Now, researchers are finding evidence that parenthood actually changes the brain – and these changes happen to fathers as well as to mothers. Darby Saxbe, PhD, talks about the hormonal and brain shifts that occur in new moms and dads; the advantages and risks these changes confer; why paternity leave matters; and how to support people as they become parents.

Take our listener survey at
https://at.apa.org/SoPsurvey

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaking of Psychology

"Speaking of Psychology" is an audio podcast series highlighting some of the latest, most important and relevant psychological research being conducted today. Produced by the American Psychological Association, these podcasts will help listeners apply the science of psychology to their everyday lives.

Where can you listen?

Episodes