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Dads' parenting of children with autism improves moms' mental health

Research suggests that fathers who read to their infants with autism and take active roles in caregiving activities can reduce mothers' depression and stress. The study found that when fathers engage in literacy and responsive caregiving activities, mothers report fewer depressive symptoms and improved well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateJul 14, 2015

Mountain gorilla mamas sidestep having inbred offspring

In a study of mountain gorillas, researchers found that females avoid mating with their fathers to curb inbreeding. On average, seven out of ten offspring in groups with multiple males are sired by the dominant male, but none of his daughters' offspring

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 20, 2015

Fathers' engagement with baby depends on mother

Researchers found that fathers' positive engagement increased as their intuitive parenting increased, but only when mothers had shown lower levels of intuitive parenting. The study involved highly educated, dual-earner couples and few in which the mother would be staying at home full-time.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInfant Mental Health Journal Infancy and Early Childhood·DateNov 19, 2014

Major breakthrough in understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, a parental imprinting disorder

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 12, 2014

You are what your father eats

A McGill study suggests that a father's diet before conception plays a crucial role in the health of their offspring. The research found that paternal folate levels may be as important as those of the mother, with potential consequences for birth defects and long-term development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2013

Dads: How important are they?

A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that mice raised without a father exhibited impaired social behavior, increased aggression, and altered brain anatomy. The findings suggest that paternal presence during critical growth periods is essential for healthy child development.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 4, 2013

Death of an adult son increases depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers

A recent study found that the death of an adult son significantly increased depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers. Mothers who relied heavily on their sons for support experienced greater declines in overall health and wellbeing. In contrast, the loss of a daughter had no impact on parental wellbeing.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 4, 2013

Study of young parents highlights links among stress, poverty and ethnicity

A comprehensive study reveals that poor mothers and fathers from ethnic minority groups experience high levels of chronic stress, affecting their mental and physical health. The research also found that certain ethnic groups, such as recent immigrants, tend to have lower stress levels despite facing similar socioeconomic challenges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 27, 2013

Stepfamilies add to caregiver burden

A University of Michigan study explores how divorce and remarriage impact caregivers, finding that adult stepchildren can be a source of stress. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of re-partnered older adults in complex family situations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 24, 2013

Overnights away from home affect children's attachments, U.Va. study shows

A new national study by University of Virginia researchers found that infants spending at least one night per week away from their mothers had more insecure attachments compared to those with fewer overnights or staying with fathers during the day. This raises concerns about the impact of parental separation on children's emotional con...

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 19, 2013

Divorce early in childhood affects parental relationships in adulthood

A new study found that children whose parents divorce early in life tend to have more insecure relationships with their parents as adults. The researchers also discovered that paternal relationships are more likely to be affected by divorce, possibly due to mothers being more likely to receive primary custody.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 28, 2013

Fraternal singing in zebra finches

Young zebra finches can learn their fathers' songs via their brothers, and this learning process is similar to human speech acquisition. The study found that juvenile siblings with no father exposure learned the same song as those exposed to a brother's song for a short period.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 12, 2013

Telling tales can be a good thing

A recent study found that mothers tend to elaborate more and use more emotional terms when reminiscing with their children than fathers. This increased interaction helps mothers communicate the importance of their child's feelings and experiences, leading to better emotional well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 27, 2013

Parents should do chores together, study says

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that couples who do housework together and spend quality time with their children are more satisfied with the division of labor. The researchers also discovered that fathers' involvement in childcare significantly contributes to a better marriage relationship.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateMar 20, 2013

How infidelity helps nieces and nephews

A University of Utah study supports the theory that men help their sisters' children because they are more likely to carry genes from their mother. The new mathematical model relaxes assumptions previously made, showing that men are more likely to share genes with their sister's kids than under the old theory.

UCLA biologists reveal potential 'fatal flaw' in iconic sexual selection study

A classic study on male and female promiscuity has been called into question after UCLA biologists repeated the experiment using the same methods as the original. The team found that Bateman's conclusions about the relationship between mate number and offspring fitness were likely flawed due to a bias in his methodology.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2012

Parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating

A study by Temple University found that parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating in families, particularly among urban fathers who face higher rates of unemployment. Fathers and mothers experience different challenges in preparing meals, with mothers spending more time on food preparation but reporting fewer family meals.

SourceTemple University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 22, 2012