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Dads of daughters may be more attentive partners

Researchers found that fathers of daughters show higher levels of attachment, commitment, trust, and intimacy toward the child's mother than fathers of sons. Having a daughter appears to be protective of the primary parent relationship, altering men's psychologies in interesting ways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateSep 21, 2026

Families bear hidden costs of finding safety

A new study by La Trobe University found that families navigating family courts amid family violence face substantial costs, including legal services, healthcare, counseling, and security measures. The average expenditure per parent is over $41,000 a year, with mothers carrying the greatest security and healthcare costs.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2026

Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference: “Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy” to be held Sept. 24

The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...

When people of different generations create together, brain activity changes

A study published in PLOS Biology found that brain synchrony between people of different generations increases when they create art together, predicting feelings of loneliness or social connection. Brain synchrony decreases between same-generation pairs, suggesting a dynamic relationship between social connections and brain activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2026

Want a happier marriage? New study suggests one simple habit

Researchers found that couples who exercise together report better communication, stronger conflict resolution, and lower marital stress. Walking was the most commonly reported form of shared exercise among couples in the study, suggesting it's a simple way to create opportunities for positive interactions and conversation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFamily Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Social bonds, recognition linked to reduced suicidal thoughts in teens

A new study by Penn State researchers found that strong social bonds and public recognition for achievements can reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior among teenagers. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 Pennsylvania teens and found that personal connections with family, school, and community can decrease suicide risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2026

Breastfeeding rates reduced due to numerous practices recommended in hospital, suggests new review of research to-date

The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2026

Friend caregivers among older adults

A cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older found friend caregivers to be an integral part of the caregiving network. They provide essential care without expecting compensation or reimbursement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 2, 2026

Training hands-on dads

A new study from the University of Tokyo finds that a one-off training session increased time spent by fathers on childcare and housework, freeing up mothers to use for their own work. The training corrected common misconceptions about paternity leave and led to significant behavioral change.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

Early birth safer for mother and baby in high blood pressure pregnancies

A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026

In mafias, marriages are strategic tools

Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2026

Long-term study of COVID lockdown and family life shows unexpected, lasting effects on fatherhood

A new study by Lee Gettler of the University of Notre Dame found that COVID-19 lockdowns had a limited lasting effect on fathers' involvement in childcare, contrary to initial reports. The 15-year longitudinal data showed no significant change in fathering behaviors before and after the pandemic, with most dads resuming their pre-pande...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2026

Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths

A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 23, 2026

Digital reminiscence app could reduce grief and improve relationships between dementia patients and caregivers

A web tool called Living Memory Home for Dementia Care Pairs facilitates collaborative reminiscence therapy, reducing feelings of pre-death grief and improving relationship quality. The app promotes well-being and connection between dementia patients and caregivers, leading to better care outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2026

Under embargo: Families and friends speak out on electroconvulsive therapy’s silenced risks

A new study reveals that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can lead to significant negative impacts on standard of living, personal relationships, and even brain damage. Relatives and friends of ECT patients report long-term effects including memory loss, emotional blunting, and loss of independence.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalPsychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice·DateApr 22, 2026

Q&A: What do teenagers need from their parents?

Penn State professor Greg Fosco emphasizes the importance of parental monitoring, autonomy-supportive parenting, and fostering a sense of purpose in teenagers' lives. Research suggests that when adolescents perceive a stable relationship with their parents, their well-being suffers, while having a sense of purpose is linked to lower su...

SourcePenn State·JournalFamily Process·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2026

Parenting programs can improve wellbeing for families from diverse backgrounds

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that community-based parenting programmes like Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities can improve family wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Parents who participated reported higher levels of mental wellbeing and improved relationships with their children.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2026

Expectant couples in Finland, Japan and Portugal aim at being a good parental team – long working hours and primacy of mother are barriers for gender-equal parenting

A study of expectant parents in three countries found that long working hours and traditional motherhood cultures hinder gender-equal parenting. Expectant couples identified the need for positive, culturally appropriate coparenting programs to build team spirit and support each other.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalParenting·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2026

Fathers’ mental health deteriorates long after the birth of their child

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Weaponizing kinship

A new study examines the magnitude of harm inflicted on Colombians through over 740,000 homicides and enforced disappearances during the conflict. The researchers estimate that approximately 7.5% of Colombians lost a close relative, with women being 20% more likely to have been affected.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 5, 2026

How military deployment affects children: New study identifies parental burnout as critical

A new longitudinal study found that children's behavior problems are significantly linked to parental burnout, regardless of partner deployment status. Protecting children's resilience requires bolstering caregivers' emotional resources and external support to avoid burnout's negative impact on family well-being.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 2, 2026

Trends in poverty and birth outcomes in the US

A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 2026

Being close to someone with a gambling problem raises your own risk – new study

A new study by the University of Bath and Tampere University found that individuals exposed to problem gambling within family or friend networks are more likely to develop their own gambling issues. Strong family relationships significantly reduce this risk, whereas friendships do not provide a comparable protective effect.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

Quality of life of parents of premature infants

The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 14, 2026

The untold story of life with Prader-Willi syndrome - according to the siblings who live it

A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 6, 2026

How does grandparental care affect children’s health?

Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth Economics·DateDec 17, 2025

Priming for planned sex increases desire, frequency in parents with young children, York study finds

A new study published by York University found that encouraging couples with young children to plan sex led to increased desire and frequency. The researchers also discovered that planning sex reduced feelings of obligation to have sex, allowing participants to engage in more frequent and satisfying sexual experiences.

SourceYork University·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2025