Neurobiological Basis of Oxythosin and Investigation its Behavioral Outcomes

Abstract

Oxytocin is a hormone that is highly influenced by psychology research and is thought to play an active role in many basic topics such as attachment, social functions, survival, defining emotional facial expressions, social relationships, love, reproduction, parenting and childcare. In the absence of social interaction, it is thought that it is inevitable for people to have problems in reproductive behavior, development and even survival. It is suggested that the genes responsible for the formation of oxytocin-type peptides, which are claimed to facilitate social interaction, evolved 700 million years ago. The amount of oxytocin in the brain and blood varies by species, and individual differences in oxytocin level are associated with personality traits, including social behavior. The amount of oxytocin peaks during breastfeeding in women and contributes to the establishment of a social and hormonal relationship between mother and baby by facilitating milk delivery. It strengthens the bond in social relations and increases the catching of positive cues. Thus, it mediates positive relationships by reducing anxiety and providing an atmosphere of trust by suppressing stress-induced cortisone release, When a safe environment is created, by providing fearless or more comfortable relationships in social behaviors, loving relationships can be provided by supporting the behavioral effects of oxytocin. In addition, it has been observed that oxytocin use has been applied and contributed to the treatment of many psychiatric diseases such as autism, substance abuse, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and aggression. It is thought that the personality, which is based on our social behaviors such as personality formation, is also related to the amount of oxytocin. Interdisciplinary studies are needed to investigate the physiological, behavioral and cognitive aspects of oxytocin, which significantly affects social life. In this study, the importance of oxytocin in our social life and neurobiological basis is emphasized and it is aimed to discuss its behavioral outcomes in the context of allostatic, fear/stres, social-evolutionary and social salience theories.

Keywords

• oxytocin
• social relations
• parenting
• attachment