Romero et al (2014) Flashcards
Which biblical approach
Hormones
What are hormones
Chemical messengers that are released into the blood stream by the endocrine systems. They can reach anywhere in the blood that has blood vessels, so they are able to reach more places than neurotransmitters. They can only influence a Target cell, which is a cell with a receptor that matches the hormone
What is oxytocin
Referred to as the ‘love hormone’ because it plays a role in sexual reproduction, childbirth and social bonding. It can be released when a person is hugged or kissed from the pituitary gland in the hypothalamus into the blood. Oxytocin can increase milk production in new mothers as well as aids contractions during childbirth. It is also higher in women because they have a need to protect their children.
Aim of case study
Test whether oxytocin promotes social bonds in mammals in non-reproductive contexts.
Method
16 dogs were sprayed intra-nasally with oxytocin or with a placebo. Their owner was placed in an empty room and the dog was released into the room and monitored by cameras for an hour. The . owner was instructed to not interact with the dog and to change their position every 10 minutes.
Results
The dogs sprayed with oxytocin showed higher affiliation with their owners through sniffing, licking, gentle touching with nose or paw and body contact.
Findings
Oxytocin performs the function of maintaining close social bonds