Photo of contributor

Darby Saxbe

Professor of Psychology, University of Southern California
Academia
USA

About Darby

Darby Saxbe, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California.

She has published over eighty scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and secured more than $3 million in grant funding for her research. She earned awards from the American Psychological Association and the Society for Research in Child Development and was a Fulbright fellow. Her first book, Dad Brain, will be published in June 2026 by Flatiron Books/Macmillan. Dr. Saxbe received her PhD in clinical psychology from UCLA and her BA in English and psychology from Yale University.

Her research focuses on the transition to parenthood, particularly the neural and hormonal underpinnings of fatherhood. She integrates neuroscience and psychology to explore how close connections shape health and wellbeing.

Connect with Darby

Stories by Darby

  • Parenthood & Caregiving

“Dad brain” is real

New research tells us about patrescence and what fathers need

Birth of a Parent Podcast

Featured work

Book

Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men's Lives

A groundbreaking scientific exploration of fatherhood that explains the biology of caregiving and redefines what it means to be a “good dad”. Darby Saxbe draws on her field-leading research on families to revolutionize our understanding of fatherhood.

To be published in June 2026.

Connect with our global community

Discover new voices and connect with contributors from around the world.

Explore our directory
Photo of contributor Rose Atieno Opiyo
Senior Lecturer and Researcher
Academia & Government
Kenya
Photo of contributor Nikhil Chaudhary
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology
Academia
UK
Photo of contributor Jennifer Sciubba
President and CEO of the Population Reference Bureau
Health
USA
Photo of contributor Sanjeeta Agnihotri
Director, Center for Communication and Change, India
Civil society
India
Photo of contributor Ruth Feldman
Simms-Mann Professor and Director of Center for Developmental Social Neuroscience, Reichman University, Herzlia Israel. Adjunct Professor, Yale University Child Study Center
Academia
Question? Ask ECM
Early Childhood Matters
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. Some cookies are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site.

We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.

You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience.