Hormonal systems, human social bonding, and affiliation.
Steven W Gangestad1, Nicholas M Grebe1
1Department of Psychology, University of New, Albuquerque, NM 87111, Mexico.
Hormones and Behavior
|August 18, 2016
Summary
Hormones like oxytocin, opioids, prolactin, and progesterone influence human social bonding. Field research explores their complex roles in affiliation, but precise regulatory functions require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Endocrine hormones regulate life history allocations of energy and resources.
- Neuromodulatory functions of hormones are shaped by evolutionary pressures.
- Understanding hormone roles requires a broad conceptual framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore hormones implicated in human social bonding and affiliation.
- To examine how field research informs our understanding of these hormones.
- To review the roles of oxytocin, opioids, prolactin, and progesterone in social interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of endocrine hormones and social behavior.
- Analysis of field research on hormone functions in social contexts.
- Examination of specific hormones: oxytocin, opioids, prolactin, and progesterone.
Main Results:
- Oxytocin, opioids, prolactin, and progesterone are associated with social bonding and affiliation.
- These hormones regulate psychological capacities underlying social interactions.
- The precise regulatory roles of these hormones remain unclear.
Conclusions:
- Hormones play a role in modulating social bonding and affiliation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact regulatory functions of these hormones.
- Field research provides valuable insights into hormone-mediated social behaviors.
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