The effects of social context on the hormonal and behavioral responsiveness of human fathers

► We examined how context affects fathers' hormonal responses to toddlers. ► Fathers were tested after being with or away from their child. ► Prolactin was affected by fathers' pre-test time with and away from their child. ► Testosterone was most affected by interaction quality and maternal presence. ► Pre- and within-test variables affected cortisol and cardiovascular measures.