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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation
Published on: August 26, 2011
Oxytocin and socioemotional aging: Current knowledge and future trends
Natalie C Ebner1, Gabriela M Maura, Kai Macdonald
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|September 7, 2013
Summary
This review explores how the oxytocin system changes with age, impacting social cognition. It proposes a new model to study these age-related genetic, neural, and sociobehavioral changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Genetics
Background:
- The oxytocin (OT) system influences social cognition and prosocial behaviors like trust and bonding.
- Existing research on aging and OT is limited, primarily from animal studies, with human research focused on young adults.
- Socioemotional capacities change with age, but the role of age-related changes in the OT system remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related changes in the OT system and their effects on socioemotional functioning.
- To propose the Age-Related Genetic, Neurobiological, Sociobehavioral Model of Oxytocin (AGeNeS-OT model).
- To identify research gaps and guide future investigations into aging, genetics, neural processes, and sociocognition related to OT.
Main Methods:
- Genetic-neuro-behavioral approach.
- Review of current evidence on age-related changes in the OT system.
- Exploratory analysis of socioemotional processing differences related to oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variation in young and older adults.
Main Results:
- Age-related changes in the OT system may underlie differences in socioemotional functioning.
- Exploratory data suggest genetic variation in OXTR is associated with differences in socioemotional processing between age groups.
- The AGeNeS-OT model provides a framework for future research.
Conclusions:
- Understanding age-related OT system changes is crucial for addressing socioemotional declines in aging.
- Findings have translational potential for conditions like depression, social stress, and anxiety in older adults.
- This research can inform interventions to reduce social isolation and enhance well-being across the lifespan.
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