August 24, 2026
Fatherhood changes many aspects of day-to-day life and research shows that it is also changes men physiologically by altering hormones and affecting mental and physical health.
In this episode, Darby Saxbe, professor of psychology at University of Southern California and author of Dad Brain, discusses her research into the experience of fatherhood. She describes the science behind it to reveal the impact of an active and engaged father, including how the more involved fathers are in caregiving, the more their brains change and adapt. By reshaping men's brains and bodies, fatherhood is revealed to be neuroprotective, strengthening family relationships. However, the experience is a spectrum and while fatherhood can improve mental health, it can also increase the risk of depression and anxiety – something that may be thus far overlooked.
Listen in for a deeper understanding of how employers can support fathers by fostering healthier families and helping employees enhance communication and leadership skills that strengthen families, teams and workplaces.
SPEAKERS
Darby Saxbe | clinical psychologist, professor of psychology at the University of Southern California and author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men's Lives
LuAnn Heinen | Business Group on Health
Duration 30 min
