They took a robot baby home for the weekend. By Monday, their testosterone responded differently
Childless couples who cared for a lifelike baby doll showed no testosterone change at first, but after a weekend with the doll at home, men’s and women’s levels fell by about 9 to 12 percent during joint caregiving.
Researchers at the University of Michigan explored how romantic couples experience hormonal changes when caring for a lifelike baby doll together. The study, published in Human Nature, found that both men and women showed a decrease in testosterone after practicing childcare with the doll over a weekend. This hormonal shift, tied to nurturing behaviors, occurred regardless of gender and was influenced by prior attitudes toward parenting.
The findings suggest that experience and expectations can shape biological responses to the demands of joint childcare.
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