Dad Brain

The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men's Lives

De: Darby Saxbe PhD

A groundbreaking exploration of the science and significance of fatherhood that shows great dads are made, not born

Over the last decade, we’ve learned more about the transformative power of parenthood—biologically, psychologically, and socially—than ever before. But while the experience of motherhood has attracted well-deserved attention, fatherhood has remained overlooked and, often, misunderstood.

Now, in Dad Brain, field-leading psychologist Darby Saxbe, PhD, explains how becoming a father changes men, from their bodies and brain architecture to their hormones and sense of purpose. Inspired by her relationship with her dad, Saxbe has studied fathers and families for over twenty years. In her first book, she takes readers behind the scenes of her new research and around the world, from hunter-gatherers in the Congo to contemporary suburban dads, and into her pioneering studies of how parenthood shapes men’s brains and lives.

Readers may be surprised to learn that, in addition to altering a dad’s hormones and health (yes, men experience postpartum depression, and “dad bod” is real), parenthood can also benefit men. Dads who spend time with their kids sharpen their paternal instincts and even show more youthful brains in later life. Dads’ unique approach to play makes kids more resilient, and fathers bring new insights to workplaces and build better societies. Ultimately, fatherhood can help men discover a richer, more connected, and more meaningful life.

For fans of science-based storytelling that is also irreverent, funny, and personal, Dad Brain offers an illuminating, empowering, and optimistic new understanding of fatherhood that will become a must-read for every parent.

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“In this entertaining and fascinating book, Darby Saxbe unpacks how fatherhood transforms men's lives, from their brains to their careers. It's a must-read for everyone who values the importance of dads and believes in the power of care.” —Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space

“An eye-opening exploration of fatherhood and its impact on a child's life—and on a partnership, a family, and society at large. With equal parts science and story, Darby Saxbe sheds new light on an untold and misunderstood narrative. If you are a dad, if you're married to a dad, or if you have a dad—you want this book.” —Aliza Pressman, PhD, author of The Five Principles of Parenting and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast

“Make no mistake: Darby Saxbe has achieved something even broader and deeper than her title promises. Dad Brain is a wonderful book about the biology of fatherhood and an important text about parenthood from the perspective of an accomplished scientist.”—Antonio Damasio, renowned neuroscientist, head of the USC Brain and Creativity Insititue, and author of Descartes' Error