The neurobiological causes and effects of alloparenting. Issue 2 (25th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kenkel, William M.; Perkeybile, Allison M.; Carter, C. Sue
• Other Names: Yu Xiang guestEditor.; Stoop Ron guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurobiology. Volume 77:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2016-11-25
• Subjects: alloparenting -- oxytocin -- prairie vole -- child abuse -- brain; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology; Neurobiologie -- Périodiques; Neurobiology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 573.838
• DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22465
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-8451

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Alloparenting, defined as care provided by individuals other than parents, is a universal behavior among humans that has shaped our evolutionary history and remains important in contemporary society. Dysfunctions in alloparenting can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for vulnerable infants and children. In spite of the importance of alloparenting, they still have much to learn regarding the underlying neurobiological systems governing its expression. Here, they review how a lack of alloparental behavior among traditional laboratory species has led to a blind spot in our understanding of this critical facet of human social behavior and the relevant neurobiology. Based on what is known, they draw from model systems ranging from voles to meerkats to primates to describe a conserved set of neuroendocrine mechanisms supporting the expression of alloparental care. In this review we describe the neurobiological and behavioral prerequisites, ontogeny, and consequences of alloparental care. Lastly, they identified several outstanding topics in the area of alloparental care that deserve further research efforts to better advance human health and wellbeing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 214–232, 2017