How Does Parenthood Shape Your Brain?
A study exploring the hidden thinking work of raising children, from newborns to grandkids. About this study
Research suggests that parenthood changes more than our families and daily routines - it may also change our brains. Studies have found that parenting can influence memory, attention, problem-solving, and even brain structure. Some researchers believe these changes may contribute to cognitive resilience later in life.
While we know parenthood can shape the brain, we still lack good ways to measure the lifelong cognitive and emotional demands of caring for children.
To address this, researchers at Monash University have developed the LEAP Scale (Lifetime Engagement in the Activities of Parenthood) — a new questionnaire designed to capture the often invisible work involved in parenting and grand-parenting.
Developed with input from parents, grandparents, psychologists, neuroscientists, sociologists, philosophers, mathematicians, and psychometric experts, the LEAP Scale aims to better understand the lifelong experience of caregiving and its impact on our lives.
We are now seeking participants to help validate this new measure.
Who can participate?
You may be eligible if you are:
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A mother
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A father
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Agrandparent
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And are aged 18 years or older
What's involved?
Participation involves completing an online survey via Qualtrics.
The survey includes questions about:
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Basic demographic information
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Your parenting and/or grandparenting experiences
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The ways you support, care for, and think about the children in your life
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Your experiences of parenting across the lifespan
The survey takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete.
Why participate?
By taking part, you'll help researchers better understand the lifelong experience of parenthood and develop a new tool that may improve how parenting and caregiving are studied in the future.
Your participation will contribute to research exploring how the cognitive and emotional demands of caring for others may shape brain health across the lifespan.
Every response helps.
How can I apply?
Please click the 'Apply' button below to express your interest in this study.
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 45034).