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Psyc 474 > Nov 28 > Flashcards

Nov 28 Flashcards

1
Q

neurobiology and love intro quote

A

“although attachment bonds are widely believed to result from a universal, innate ‘attachment behavioural system,’ attempts to locate a single, dedicated attachment circuit are likely to be, to paraphrase Wittgenstein, a bit like trying to find the real artichoke by peeling away all its leaves”

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2
Q

is there a single attachment system?

A

NO, there isn’t a single attachment system dedicated exclusively to forming social bonds

rather, there’s a set of more GENERAL PURPOSE affective-emotional systems

from which ATTACHMENTS EMERGE with LEARNING

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3
Q

experiences from which attachments emerge with learning

A
  1. separation distress
  2. felt security and social pleasure
  3. motivation to seek out/engage with close others
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4
Q

affective neuroscience

A

branch of neuroscience focused on UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONS in humans & other mammals

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5
Q

emotions

A

complex set of psychological states

involving:

a) PHYSIOLOGICAL changes
b) SUBJECTIVE experience
c) BEHAVIOUR/EXPRESSION

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6
Q

affect

A

the SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE of emotion

its FELT aspects

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7
Q

key assumptions of affective neuroscience

A
  1. emotions & associated feelings EVOLVED to serve specific purposes in response to biologically significant and life-challenging situations
  2. felt aspects of emotional systems (affects) serve 3 KEY ADAPTIVE PURPOSES

a) HIGHLIGHT survival & reproductive ISSUES in environment (make us NOTICE)

b) MOTIVATE behaviour for survival & reproduction (make us DO STMG)

c) aid in MEMORY construction through reinforcement of learned behaviours (REINFORCE learning)

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8
Q

caveat of affective neuroscience

A

much of the research today pertains to ANIMAL MODELS - can’t always extrapolate

cautionary tale:

PHEROMONES (chemical substances used for communication between members of a species)

^ distinct from sense of smell, rely on specialized sensory structures

HUMANS APPEAR TO LACK dedicated NEURAL MACHINERY for detecting pheromones

^ chemical communication between humans does happen, but not clear to what extent this is pheromonal

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9
Q

social pain

A

distress we experience when important social ties are threatened or lost

often reach for physical words to describe such experiences

ie. hurt, wounded, heartbroken, crushed, left scares, ache

^ this is a cross-cultural tendency

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10
Q

propensity to feel social pain may be rooted in…

A

separation distress children experience when separated from caregiver

GENERALIZED to maintaining other social relationships given the BENEFITS of GROUP LIVING

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11
Q

social pain may have evolved from…

A

general pain mechanisms

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12
Q

purpose served by pain

A

important adaptive purpose

CAPTURES ATTENTION & DEMANDS ACTION

interrupts other ongoing activities (like an alarm system)

^ individuals with congenital insensitivity to pain = highly susceptible to physical injury, have reduced lifespans (often die in childhood)

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13
Q

social pain: for highly vulnerable infants, being left alone is a life or death situation

A

experience of social pain (separation distress in Bowlby’s words) motivates behaviour to RE-ESTABLISH PROXIMITY with caregiver

protest phase: crying, searching, clinging

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14
Q

2 dissociable components of pain experience

A
  1. sensory component
  2. emotional/motivational component
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15
Q

sensory component of pain

A

specific information about what’s happening

what, where, how intense?

“there’s a strong burning sensation in my right hand”

involves SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX

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16
Q

affective/motivational component of pain

A

aversiveness of the experience & motivation to stop it

“ouch! that hurts!”

the ALARM COMPONENT

involves dACC and AI

activation in some of the areas may trigger physiological stress response

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17
Q

parts of brain associated with the affective/motivational component of pain

A

dACC: dorsal anterior cingulate cortex

AI: anterior insula

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18
Q

the two components of pain involve…

A

different brain areas

sensory = somatosensory cortex

affective/motivational = dACC and AI

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19
Q

increased activation in the affective pain regions during…

A

during various kinds of social pain experiences

ie. reminders of DECEASED for bereaved individuals

ie. reminders of EX-PARTNERS for recently dumped people

ie. SOCIAL EXCLUSION

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20
Q

social exclusion and brain activation: correlation between…

A

strength of activation and feelings of rejection/exclusion

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21
Q

T/F: some studies have observed activation in somatosensory cortex in response to social pain as well

A

true!

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22
Q

insula is in charge of…

A

interoception

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23
Q

interoception

A

ability to perceive signals originating from within the body

breathing, hunger, thirst

CRUCIAL for maintaining a steady internal state

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24
Q

insula plays key role in

A
  1. plays key role in PROCESSING interoceptive signals
  2. IMBUING THEM with emotional/motivational significance

ie. may interpret signals of sympathetic NS activation as anxiety

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25
Q

insula may interpret what as anxiety?

A

interoception/sympathetic NS activation as anxiety

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26
Q

different types of mechanoreceptors on the skin…

A
  1. FAST-conducting mechanoreceptors

^ allow for FINE discrimination

  1. SLOW-conducting mechanoreceptors

^ respond to LOW PRESSURE, LOW VELOCITY tactile stimulation

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27
Q

slow-conducting mechanoreceptors

A

respond to low pressure, low velocity tactile stimulation

this type of stimulation = found in INTIMATE AFFILIATIVE interactions

is experienced as SUBJECTIVELY PLEASANT

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28
Q

slow-conducting mechanoreceptor signals travel…

A

directly to insula

may serve as an ALL CLEAR signal

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29
Q

felt security

A

once contact with caregiver is regained, experience strong feelings of PLEASURE & COMFORT

reinforces the attachment bond

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30
Q

in adulthood, symbolic proximity seeking may be sufficient to…

A

restore sense of comfort & security

ie. THINKING of a loved one

some parallels to literature on physical pain & PLACEBOS - cognitive factors like MERE EXPECTATION of pain relief can alleviate pain

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31
Q

pain relief as a reward

A

relief from pain (ie. omission/reduction of an aversive event/punishment) is more than simply an attenuation of pain

it’s REWARDING/PLEASURABLE

pleasure of relief derived from VIOLATION OF NEGATIVE EXPECTANCY

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32
Q

pain relief as a reward: pessimists…

A

pessimists (who generally hold more negative expectations) experience:

  1. GREATER DREAD of adverse event
  2. GREATER RELIEF when adverse event is avoided
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33
Q

endogenous opioid system

A

system of OPIOID RECEPTORS & their respective LIGANDS (chem messengers that bind to a receptor)

u-opioid receptors bind drugs like MORPHINE and HEROIN - mediate their analgesic and rewarding effects

34
Q

normally, u-opioid receptors bind…

A

internally produced (endogenous) chemical messengers

like beta-endorphins

^ play role in pain relief, placebo effects, hedonic responses to rewards like food

35
Q

BOTSA

A

brain opioid theory of social attachment

36
Q

brain opioid theory of social attachment

A

opioids mediate attachment through DUAL MECHANISMS

DECLINING LEVELS of opioids during SEPARATION contribute to SOCIAL PAIN/separation distress

INCREASING LEVELS of opioids during REUNION contribute to feelings of REWARD/COMFORT

37
Q

BOTSA hypothesis 1

A

if separation distress reflects state of endogenous opioid withdrawal then stimulation of opioid activity should diminish behavioural manifestations of separation distress

ie. distress vocalizations, clinging

38
Q

receptor agonist

A

chemical substance that binds and ACTIVATES a certain receptor

acts like the endogenous ligand

39
Q

receptor antagonist

A

chemical substance that binds to a receptor and BLOCKS it

thereby BLOCKS/DAMPENS the normal biological response

40
Q

seeing how typical behaviour changes after the administration of an antagonist allows us to infer…

A

the neurochemical mechanism behind the typical response

41
Q

common opioid receptor antagonists

A

naloxone

naltrexone

42
Q

BOTSA 2 approaches

A
  1. pharmacological approach
  2. brain stimulation approach
43
Q

BOTSA - pharmacological approach

A

administration of u-opioid receptor agonists like morphine or beta-endorphin

reduces DVs & proximity-seeking behaviour like clinging

in variety of non-human animal species

44
Q

BOTSA - brain stimulation approach

A

electrical stimulation of the periventricular gray (PVG) produces release of beta-endorphin, physical analgesia, and reduction of DVs in isolated guinea pigs

both analgesia & reduction in DVs can be REVERSED with administration of an opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone)

45
Q

BOTSA hypothesis 2a

A

social contact leads to release of endogenous opioids

46
Q

BOTSA hypothesis 2b

A

if the release of endogenous opioids (caused by social contact) mediates/drives the comforting effects of social contact, we should be able to BLOCK the COMFORTING EFFECTS of SOCIAL CONTACT by blocking endogenous opioids

47
Q

BOTSA hypothesis 2a evidence

A

large increases in cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of beta-endorphin following GROOMING IN MONKEYS

48
Q

BOTSA hypothesis 2b evidence

A

young animals treated with opioid receptor antagonists like naltrexone continue to cry/cling to mom even after reunion

49
Q

further evidence that opioids mediate formation of attachment bonds comes from…

A

genetic knock-down of the u-opioid receptor in mouse pups

causes deficits in attachment

  • knockouts emit FEWER SEPARATION DISTRESS CALLS relative to control
  • DON’T DEVELOP PREFERENCE for mother’s olfactory cues in contrast to controls
50
Q

attachment & separation distress go hand in hand…

A

the pain of separation is the price we pay for attachment

51
Q

BOTSA in humans: indirect evidence

A

indirect evidence only

social contact DECREASES PHYSICAL PAIN in real life and experimental settings

even viewing PIC OF LOVED ONE decreases pain in lab task

BUT IT’S UNCLEAR IF THIS IS OPIOID MEDIATED

52
Q

BOTSA in humans: imaging evidence

A

when thinking of an experience of SOCIAL LOSS, DEACTIVATION of opioid neurotransmission in regions related to PAIN affect

53
Q

BOTSA in humans: pharmacological evidence

A

NALTREXONE (vs placebo control) DECREASES FEELINGS OF WARMTH/CONNECTION participants experience while:

a) reading affectionate notes from close others

b) looking at their photographs

also decreases activity in the LEFT VENTRAL STRIATUM (reward related brain region) while looking at pics of close others

54
Q

BOTSA study: gave Ps naltrexone or placebo before…

A

before completing a SELF DISCLOSURE TASK

NO EFFECT on feelings of CLOSENESS towards partner

but BLOCKED increases in POSITIVE AFFECT & SELF ESTEEM that placebo Ps experienced after the task

suggests that opioids may contribute to POSITIVE FEELINGS we experience in different kinds of affiliative situations (not just attachment interactions

55
Q

genes that affect opioid system functioning

A

OPRM1 A118G

^ linked to variation in both PHYSICAL PAIN SENSITIVITY & REJECTION SENSITIVITY

the G allele is the sensitive variant

56
Q

event contingent recording study on OPRM1 A118G gene SETUP

A

cohabiting couples filled out QUESTIONNAIRE after each interaction they had over 3 week period

  1. QUARRELSOME BEHAVIOUR

ie. “I made a sarcastic comment”, “I criticised the other”

filled out for SELF and PARTNER

  1. FELT SECURITY

ie. “I felt assured about my partner’s feelings/intentions towards me”

57
Q

event contingent recording study on OPRM1 A118G gene RESULTS

A

individuals carrying at least 1 copy of the G allele reported STEEPER DECLINES in felt security when their partner behaved more coldly/hurtfully towards them than usual

58
Q

implications of BOTSA

A

are opioid drugs a substitute for unmet belonging needs?

“and they said you know, the first time you do it, you just get this secure feeling. it’s almost like a warm embrace, like a hug from your grandma”

“when I did yield to temptation - in a fit of rage over a boyfriend’s infidelity…it wasn’t euphoria that hooked me. it was relief from my dread and anxiety, and a soothing sense that I was safe, nurtured, and unconditionally loved”

59
Q

oxytocin

A

neurochemical messenger that plays key role in PARTURITION & LACTATION

released during COPULATION

also postulated to play important role in SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR & BONDING

60
Q

although oxytocin has received much more attention (in humans) than opioids…

A

precise function still remains somewhat unclear

61
Q

early evidence that oxytocin may play role in social bonding came from…

A

comparison of two closely related species with very diff social structures

  1. PRAIRIE VOLES:

^ typically form PAIR BONDS after mating, exhibit BIPARENTAL care

  1. MONTANE VOLES

^ live in ISOLATION, no evidence of pair bonding

62
Q

2 types of voles: diff responses to separation in infancy

A

prairie voles respond with DVs and stress hormone secretion

montane voles don’t exhibit behavioural/physiological reaction

63
Q

what do prairie voles have that montane voles do not?

A

high density of OXYTOCIN RECEPTORS in regions related to REWARD & REINFORCEMENT

ie. nucleus accumbens

whereas montane voles have FEW receptors in these areas

64
Q

how can you facilitate partner bonding in prairie voles?

A

by injecting exogenous oxytocin

(even if the voles haven’t mated)

oxytocin receptor antagonist blocks partner preference formation following mating in the prairie vole

65
Q

following mating in prairie vole, what does oxytocin receptor antagonist do?

A

blocks partner preference formation

66
Q

first study to examine social effects of oxytocin in humans…

A

found that intranasal oxytocin INCREASES TRUST during economic trust game

67
Q

human research on oxytocin has found…

A

number of prosocial effects

  1. emotion recognition and empathy
  2. generosity and cooperation
  3. more positive communication behaviours during couple conflict discussions
  4. increase in social motivation
68
Q

oxytocin: as research accumulated…

A

became clear that effects of oxytocin AREN’T ALWAYS CONSISTENT

some studies found NO effects, VERY SMALL effects, or NEGATIVE/ANTISOCIAL effects

ie. oxytocin actually DECREASES trust towards OUT GROUP member and in those with clinically high levels of REJECTION SENSITIVITY (borderline personality disorder)

69
Q

effects of oxytocin may depend on…

A

intrapersonal and interpersonal context

ie. effects decreasing outgroup trust

ie. effects in high rejection sensitivity individuals

70
Q

social salience hypothesis - oxytocin

A

potential explanation for mixed findings regarding oxytocin

oxytocin may FOCUS ATTENTION on SOCIAL CUES

ie. oxytocin found to INCREASE GAZE to the EYE REGION & lead to changes in FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY among brain regions indicative of heightened attention

71
Q

oxytocin social salience hypothesis - mice evidence

A

in mice, oxytocin enables MATERNAL CARE BEHAVIOUR (pup retrieval) by fine-tuning NEURONS in the AUDITORY CORTEX so that pup distress calls become more salient

72
Q

oxytocin - psychological.behavioural effects of increased social salience will depend on ______ factors

A

contextual

  • might MAGNIFY PRO-SOCIALITY when dealing with close/trusted others
  • but DIMINISH PRO-SOCIALITY when situation/individual’s disposition biases them to construe info in a negative way

ie. oxytocin administration makes individuals low in attachment anxiety remember their mom as more caring & close, with opposite effects for those high in attachment anxiety

73
Q

fMRI studies of early-stage intense romantic love

A

(dating 7 months on average)

while in scanner, viewed photos of BELOVED and FAMILIAR ACQUAINTANCE

activation of VENTRAL TEGMENTAL AREA and related regions that receive projects from this area

^ part of the DOPAMINE REWARD PATHWAY

74
Q

note on fMRI research

A

fMRI doesn’t allow for measuring activity of a SPECIFIC NT

but other research has found increased DOPAMINE RELEASE in VTA in response to rewards like money

also activated in those very in love when they look at pics of their beloved

75
Q

fMRI VTA activation repeated…

A

cross culturally

and in long term marriages who reported being still “madly in love”

replicated using strong control condition (close, long-term friend)

76
Q

activity in VTA correlates with…

A
  1. feelings of passionate love

ie. “I want ______ physically, emotionally & mentally”

  1. and closeness

BUT NOT with scores on friendship-based love scale

ie. “my love for my partner involves solid, deep affection”

77
Q

dopamine

A

commonly described as “reward” in neurochemistry

unlike opioids, DOESN’T mediate the PLEASURE of sensation

rather, it CONTRIBUTES to INCENTIVE/MOTIVATION to pursue rewards

ie. “wanting” (as opposed to “liking”)

78
Q

dopamine at the affective level

A

experienced as anticipatory exhilaration, eagerness, euphoria

79
Q

case study of Leonard L

A

childhood encephalitis led to DESTRUCTION of DOPAMINE BRAIN CIRCUITS

after being treated with L-DOPA (dopamine precursor), was able to experience SENSE OF ENGAGEMENT with the world

energy, excited

“I feel like a man in love. I’ve broken the barriers which cut me off from love”

80
Q

dopamine allows animals to…

A

pursue various rewards important for survival

responds to incentives in the environment and imbalances in homeostatic needs

may contribute to experience of passionate, romantic love

but likely also plays role in attachment figure seeking and care behaviour

81
Q

summary 1

A

love & attachment aren’t result of a single brain system

they involve intersection of multiple systems that are also involved in other life-sustaining functions

these systems are interconnected and influence each other

ie. oxytocin can increase secretion of beta-endorphins & inhibit development of oxytocin tolerance

likely work together to co-ordinate attachment behaviour & experience

ie. dopamine may motivate approach, oxytocin may increase salience of social signals, opioids may underlie feelings of reward & satiety

82
Q

summary 2

A

not as simple as mapping one type of neurological substrate to one type of love or process

much of the extant research - esp in humans - limited by focus on/manipulation of one system at a time

^ risk of misattributing effects

combination of neuroimaging & pharmacological methods important for increasing understanding of neurobiological basis of love & attachment

Psyc 474 (23 decks)

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