Explaining individual variation in paternal brain responses to infant cries.

摘要: Crying is the principal means by which newborn infants shape parental behavior to meet their needs. While this mechanism can be highly effective, infant crying also an aversive stimulus that leads frustration and even abuse. Fathers have recently become more involved in direct caregiving activities modern, developed nations, fathers are likely than mothers physically abuse infants. In study, we attempt explain variation neural response among human fathers, with hope of identifying factors associated a or less sensitive response. We imaged brain function 39 first-time as they listened both own standardized unknown cry stimulus, well auditory control stimuli, evaluated whether these responses were correlated measured characteristics hypothesized modulate responses. provided subjective ratings each on multiple dimensions. showed widespread activation cries systems empathy approach motivation. There was no significant difference vs. cry, many unable distinguish between two cries. Comparison results previous studies revealed high degree similarity pattern Further comparisons suggested younger age stronger paternal responses, perhaps due hormonal novelty effects. our sample, older found had attenuated dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) insula, suggesting compared may better able avoid distress empathic over-arousal A components analysis negative emotional reactions decreased thalamus caudate nucleus, regions expected promote positive behaviors, increased hypothalamus ACC, again might result crying. sum, findings suggest age, all By correlates crying, help lay groundwork for evaluating effectiveness interventions designed increase sensitivity compassion.