Understanding how fathers' brains influence their caregiving behaviors

Neurobiology of Paternal Care

NIH-funded research Princeton University · NIH-11046492

This study looks at why some dads are loving and caring while others might struggle with being nurturing, using African striped mice to understand how genes and life experiences affect fatherly behavior, with the hope of finding ways to help improve children's health and development.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11046492 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind paternal behavior, focusing on why some fathers are nurturing while others may be abusive or neglectful. Using African striped mice as a model, the study will explore how both genetics and environmental experiences shape paternal care. Researchers will employ advanced techniques such as brain imaging and molecular analysis to identify brain networks involved in these behaviors. The goal is to gain insights that could inform interventions for improving child health and development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include fathers or caregivers who may be experiencing challenges in their caregiving roles.

Not a fit: Patients who are not fathers or caregivers, or those who do not have children, may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for enhancing positive paternal involvement in child development.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using African striped mice is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding parental behaviors in other species.

Where this research is happening

Princeton, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.