By Mac E. Lancaster, BS, and Ran D. Anbar, M.D.
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to substantially impact a range of social and reproductive activities, such as pair bonding and maternal, collaborative, and sexual behaviors (Love, 2014). It is commonly referred to as the love or cuddle hormone because it promotes prosocial behavior.
Oxytocin promotes both positive and negative social interactions, such as showing affection or prejudice (Love, 2014).
Oxytocin has been demonstrated to increase attention to examining social cues, enhance cognitive processing of social information, and increase attempts to interact socially. Additionally, oxytocin may have a role in changing the level of importance that people attribute to social cues, leading to different associations of appealing and unpleasant values with particular social interactions.
Current research shows that oxytocin may increase empathy, partner bonding, and communication between people. This makes oxytocin vital for sustaining a relationship, as these attributes are important for a long-lasting and healthy relationship, whether it be with friends or significant others (Gravotta, 2013). It also accounts for the physical and emotional attachment we have toward any given person, animal, or object of importance.
However, oxytocin has antisocial properties as well, promoting prejudice and anxiety. Having a deeper understanding of the function of this chemical and how to manage oxytocin levels can lead to better relationships and possibly even reduced stress.
Oxytocin plays an important part in the physiology and psychology of breastfeeding, as it is stimulated during skin-to-skin contact (Uvnäs Moberg et al., 2020). It triggers milk production and the milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding. (Uvnäs Moberg et al., 2020). During this time, oxytocin plays a role in producing a calm mood and increasing emotions of secure attachment between mother and child (Stuebe et al., 2013).
This chemical has also been found to lessen pain sensitivity, blood pressure, and cortisol levels in both mothers and newborns (Uvnäs Moberg et al., 2020). Further, oxytocin release during breastfeeding helps the mother bond with her infant and has antidepressant and anti-anxiety qualities, which may guard against postpartum depression (Stuebe et al., 2013).
Oxytocin may be very........