A holistic review of fatherhood in humans and non-human animals: mechanisms of fatherhood, effects on fathers themselves, and interactions of fathers with others

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 2026 Open access

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Authors: KL Bales, Ana Finnerty-Haggerty, Joanna Y. Guan, Lauren Meckler, Jasmine Saenz, Meghan J. Sosnowski, Shirin Afrakhteh, Christina L. Hung, Rani A. Purewal, Stephanie Oliinyk, Felisa J. Carbajal, Olufemi Shakuur Nyabingi
DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1779750
Cited by: 1
References: 181

Abstract

Fathers are often the forgotten parent in mammals; due to the necessity of lactation for the survival of infants, mothers and motherhood are by far the better studied sex (a rather unusual phenomenon among most topics). However, the study of fathers has experienced a recent surge in interest. Here we review literature from a neuroscience, endocrine, and psychological perspective, on the mechanisms of fatherhood and roles of fathers across species, including the ways that fathering affects mental health, interactions with others, and partner relationships in humans and animals. Limitations and fundamental gaps remaining in the literature on fatherhood are identified.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior Primate Behavior and Ecology

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Volume
20
Pages
1779750–1779750
Publication date
29 May 2026
Language
EN