Hormones: What is Oxytocin?
What is a hormone?
- A hormone is a chemical that is secreted by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream which then distributes it around the body
- Hormones act slowly (unlike neurotransmitters which are fast) and may take years to fully have an effect - e.g. puberty occurs over several years
- The major gland which regulates hormones is the pituitary gland, located at the base of the hypothalamus
- Hormones will have different effects on the body and on behaviour, depending on the nature of the hormone itself - e.g. cortisol regulates the stress response; melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle
What is oxytocin?
- Oxytocin is popularly known as the ‘cuddle hormone’ as it is associated with feelings of trust, bonding and security
Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus at the top of the brain stem - Oxytocin is secreted during childbirth and breastfeeding and is thought to be an evolutionary mechanism allowing mother and baby to bond
- Some research shows that oxytocin can be released as a result of touch, music or exercise
A whole lot of oxytocin going on…
Which studies investigate the effect of oxytocin on behaviour?
- Morhenn et al. (2008) – a lab experiment to investigate the relationship between oxytocin, massage and sacrifice
- Scheele et al. (2012) – oxytocin may increase the distance maintained between people in a monogamous relationship and an attractive stranger
The study by Morhenn et al. (2008) can be found in Two Key Studies of Hormones on this site: just navigate the Hormones & Pheromones topic to find it.
Examiner Tip
Make sure that you focus on the effect of the hormone in an exam response. It is not enough to simply describe the hormone and where in the body it is made; you need to be explicit in the connection you make between the hormone and how it affects human behaviour, using research evidence to support your answer.
