New Study Reveals Gender Differences in Infant Attention from Birth

The debate over whether gender differences in social behavior stem from biology or social conditioning takes a new turn with recent findings published in Biology of Sex Differences. A study from the University of Cambridge examined 130 newborns just hours after birth and suggests that some psychological distinctions between males and females may be influenced by prenatal biology.

For decades, research has indicated that female infants tend to develop verbal skills and social acumen more quickly than their male counterparts. The challenge has been discerning whether these differences arise primarily from cultural factors or inherent biological predispositions. Testing newborns shortly after birth provides a clearer vantage point, isolating the data from societal influences.

Notably, a 2000 study highlighted that female infants were predisposed to gaze longer at human faces, whereas male infants were drawn more to objects. This finding sparked interest in replicating the study; however, the complexities of newborn research had deterred many attempts until now.

Methodology and Findings

The current study involved showing infants two concurrent videos—one depicting a human face displaying natural movements, and another showcasing metallic balls in a Newton's cradle motion. The results revealed a universal preference for the social stimulus among these newborns.

However, a keen distinction was observed: female infants devoted more time watching the social video compared to male infants, who were more engaged with the object video. This difference indicates that prenatal factors, such as hormonal levels and genetic variations, likely shape these initial preferences well before external influences come into play.

Research Insights

Yumnah Khan, a PhD student at the Autism Research Centre and the study's lead author, emphasized that their research builds upon previous findings of innate structural differences in male and female brains encountered at birth. "This new study indicates not just structural differences but also variances in attention and behavior," Khan noted.

Professor Sir Simon Baron Cohen, who supervised the study, articulated the significance of these differences. He stated, "This study sheds light on whether biological factors influence sex differences in cognitive function right from birth. Observing these variances prior to substantial postnatal experiences strongly suggests prenatal influences are at play." He articulated a balanced perspective: "It’s nature and nurture, not nature or nurture."

Implications of Findings

While establishing that sex differences exist from birth is valuable, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge that these innate characteristics do not rigidly dictate future learning and development trajectories. Dr. Alex Tsompanidis, a co-researcher, stated, “While sex differences observed at birth are notable, they are only part of a more intricate interplay between biological and environmental factors that shape individual development.”

Moreover, Professor Carrie Allison, another team member, highlighted the variability within the results, cautioning against overstating the findings: “The differences we observe are statistical averages and don’t apply to every individual. There’s significant overlap and diversity within each sex. Future studies must focus on understanding this variation.”

Next Steps in Research

The research team is intrigued by the possibility that these early differences in attention may influence cognitive and behavioral development later in life. They are currently undertaking longitudinal studies to explore these potential connections further, aiming to shed light on neurodiversity and varying trends in conditions such as autism, which is diagnosed considerably more often in boys than girls.

The newborns involved in the study were recruited from The Rosie Hospital, associated with the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Funding was provided by the Wellcome Trust, along with the Simon Foundation Autism Research Initiative and various academic scholarships. Ongoing follow-up research is supported by the K. Lisa Yang Centre for Autism Research at Cambridge.

Reference

Khan, YT, Tsompanidis, A, Hymanson, E, Wickramanayake, S, APEX Consortium, Austin, T, Allison, C, & Baron-Cohen, S. Sex differences in social attention at birth. Biology of Sex Differences; 21 Sept 2026; DOI: 10.1186/s13293-026-00976-9