In the episode, Dr. Sadis Matalon (University of Alabama Birmingham) interviews Dr. Catherine Dulac (Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University) about the new Review in Physiological Reviews by Kaplan et al., which explores the neural basis of the complex social behavior of parenting. Parenting behavior is absolutely essential for the development of human beings and animal species. All humans and animals will experience the impact of parenting behavior on their lives, and parenting behavior is far more complex than simply the care of others. Parenting behavior is a unique physiological state that affects infant-to-adult interactions and adult-to-adult interactions, as well as a wide range of physiological changes related to food intake, sleep, and mood. We discuss essential questions related to the prevalence of postpartum depression disorder, genetic and environmental factors affecting the control of parenting behavior, and whether parenting behavior can improve over time with experience. Listen to this fascinating conversation to learn more.

Harris S. Kaplan, Patricia M. Horvath, Mohammed Mostafizur Rahman, and Catherine Dulac The neurobiology of parenting and infant-evoked aggression Physiological Reviews, published October 25, 2024. DOI: doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00036.2023