P1 - Biological Approach - Hormones and Behaviour

Question 1

what are hormones

Answer 1

regulatory substances which are transported in tissue fluids to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action

produced by endocrine gland, released in bloodstream, target cells a long distance away

Question 2

what is oxytocin?

Answer 2

produced by hypothalamus and secreted by pituitary gland

controls key aspects of reproductive system, including childbirth and lactation.

plays a role of mother and child attachment

Question 3

how is trust linked to oxytocin?

Answer 3

trust is an ‘essential social tool’, but bonds of trust can be easily broken

Question 4

what study do we use for hormones?

Answer 4

ditzen et al 2009

Question 5

what is the aim of ditzen et al 2009

Answer 5

to investigate possible role of oxytocin in how couples diagnose a contentious issue. hypothesised that couples who recieve oxytocin would engage in positive communication

Question 6

what is the procedure for Ditzen et al 2009

Answer 6

• double blind placebo controlled design
• 47 heterosexual couples
• each couple had either oxytocin or placebo intranasally
• videotaped when they discussed topics that would lead to conflicts
• coded for verbal and nonverbal interactions
• stress hormone cortisol in their saliva was also measured

Question 7

what are the findings for Ditzen

Answer 7

oxytocin improved positive communication and significantly reduced cortisol compared to the placebo

Question 8

what are the conclusions of Ditsen

Answer 8

indicate a possible role of oxytocin which shows that oxytocin facilitates pair bonding behaviour and builds a strong relationship