Hormones and behaviour

Question 1

how are they released

Answer 1

Released by endocrine glands such as the adrenal glands, hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and pancreas. These glands form the endocrine system
Chemical messenger system of the organism

Question 2

hormones

Answer 2

Chemicals which get secreted directly into the bloodstream where they get carried to all parts of the body
Important for emotional and motivational behaviour
Regulate slower processes like growth, metabolism, and digestion
Can only influence that have receptors for that particular hormone (target cells)
When a hormone binds to these cells, it launches a sequence of changes.
They do not influence behaviour directly, but they change the probability that a certain behaviour will occur in response to a certain environmental stimulus
Given the time it takes for circulation through the body, it can be weeks or months before the response occurs
Effects are much longer lasting than neurotransmitters

Question 3

Oxytocin

Answer 3

Released by the pituitary gland
Known for its role in social interaction and sexual reproduction.
Plays a role in childbirth, stress reduction, trust, and social bonding
Released during breastfeeding
Role in establishing the bond between the mother and child
Released with every hug and associated with wider social emotions
Linked to trusting other people
Experimental manipulation of OT has shown an increase in trust
Trust is an important tool among humans

Question 4

Critical thinking

Answer 4

Research has identified specific hormones with specific behavioural functions.
- however, hormone- behavior relationships are complex. There may be bidirectional relationship between oxytocin and trust , as increased human interaction and trust can lead to increased oxytocin production.
- it is not appropriate to say that oxytocin causes changes in trust and the encoding of positive social information but that it can simply influence behaviour
- As oxytocin is a hormone and a biological factor it is a reductionist expalnation to argue that it is the only explanation for certain behaviours as environmental factors such a socialization are overlooked.
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