What does it really mean to be a father? How does fatherhood shape a man’s brain, emotions, and relationships? And why is the role of fathers so often overlooked in both research and practice? Dr Anna Machin has spent years exploring these questions, uncovering fascinating insights into the biological, psychological, and social aspects of fatherhood.
In this conversation with COSRT, Dr Machin shares what inspired her to delve into the science of being a dad, how societal perceptions of fatherhood are evolving, and what we can do to better support fathers in their parenting journey. Her groundbreaking research, captured in her book The Life of Dad, challenges outdated stereotypes and highlights the crucial role fathers play in child development and family life.
If you’re a therapist, researcher, or just interested in understanding the science of fatherhood, this discussion—and The Life of Dad—offers essential insights into the complexities of modern parenting.
COSRT: Thank you for joining us, Anna. To start, what led you to focus your research on fatherhood? Was there a particular gap in existing studies you were hoping to address?
Anna Machin: Absolutely! My interest in fatherhood began for a very personal reason. When I had my first child nearly 18 years ago, it was a difficult and traumatic birth. I had a haemorrhage, and the whole experience left me physically and emotionally drained. What struck me at the time was how much support and attention was directed towards me—as it should be—but my partner was completely overlooked. He had been through a huge emotional event as well, yet there was little focus on his experience. That got me thinking: what do we actually know about fathers, what happens to them when they become dads, how they bond with their kids and their role in child development?
COSRT: That’s a fascinating perspective. How did that personal experience shape your academic research?
Anna Machin: It set me on a path to explore fatherhood from an evolutionary, biological and psychological perspective. When I looked into existing research, I realised that, compared to mothering, there was very little focus on the role of fathers. Most studies examined fathers through the lens of absence, but I wanted to go beyond that and study the vast majority of present fathers. I wanted to understand their emotional and psychological role in parenting, as well as their biological and neurological responses to becoming a parent.
COSRT: That’s really interesting. Have you found that society’s perception of fatherhood has evolved over time?
Anna Machin: Definitely. Over the last few decades, we’ve seen a significant shift. Traditionally, fatherhood was often framed around being a breadwinner, but now, we recognise the importance of fathers in caregiving and emotional support. There’s also increasing evidence that fathers undergo hormonal and neurological changes, just like mothers do, when they become parents. This challenges outdated notions that parenting instincts are primarily maternal.
COSRT: That’s a crucial point. What are some of the key findings in your research that challenge these traditional views?
Anna Machin: One of the most important findings is that fathers experience biological changes, such as drops in testosterone and increases in oxytocin, which encourage bonding and caregiving. We’ve also found that fathers play a unique role in risk-taking and social development. They tend to engage in more exploratory and physically stimulating play, which helps children develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
COSRT: That’s fascinating! Given these insights, how can we better support fathers in their parenting role?
Anna Machin: Support needs to come from multiple levels—healthcare, workplace policies, and social narratives. For example, ensuring that fathers have access to parental leave and are encouraged to take it can make a huge difference. In healthcare, fathers should be included more in pre and postnatal care and parenting support, rather than being seen as secondary figures.
COSRT: That’s so important. Finally, what message would you like to leave with professionals working in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy when it comes to understanding fatherhood?
Anna Machin: I’d encourage professionals to view fathers as equally integral to parenting and family dynamics. Understanding their psychological and emotional journey is just as important as understanding mothers’. Fathers need spaces where they can talk openly about their experiences, challenges, and mental health without stigma.
COSRT: Thank you so much, Anna. Your research offers such valuable insights, and it’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
Anna Machin: Thank you! I’ve really enjoyed the conversation.
To explore these themes further, we highly recommend The Life of Dad, where Dr Machin dives even deeper into the science behind fatherhood and its profound impact on families. Anna has also recently updated our self-access class on The Science of Being Dad: Understanding & Supporting Fatherhood, for more details please see: The Science of Being Dad: Understanding & Supporting Fatherhood | COSRTlearn