Serum oxytocin, posttraumatic coping and C-reactive protein in motor vehicle accident survivors by gender

Previous studies indicate that oxytocin (OT) might play a major role in the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and that the effects of OT might differ by gender. This exploratory study aimed to clarify the relationships between the OT level and physical and psychosocial factors by gender in accident survivors.

Two hundred and thirty-five accident survivors offered blood samples at baseline, 155 of whom participated in follow-up assessments 1 month later. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated between the serum OT levels and physical and psychosocial factors assessed at baseline by gender. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were then used to examine the relationships between the serum OT levels and psychological variables by gender.

In men, the OT levels were negatively associated with C-reactive protein at baseline and did not predict any psychological variables at the 1-month follow-up. On the other hand, in women, the OT levels were positively associated with cooperativeness at baseline and predicted seeking social support, positive reappraisal, accepting responsibility and planful problem solving at the 1-month follow-up. The OT levels were not associated with PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

The findings suggest that the role of OT in posttraumatic coping and inflammation differs by gender in accident survivors. Gender differences in the effects and mechanism of OT might be a key consideration when developing interventions using OT.