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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

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Oxytocin and vulnerable romantic relationships.

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Oxytocin (OT) may signal psychological investment in romantic relationships. Changes in OT levels reflect discrepancies in relationship involvement between partners, supporting the

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Social Psychology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • Oxytocin (OT) is linked to social bonding and romantic relationships.
  • Existing models on OT and relationship quality yield conflicting results.
  • The 'Identify and Invest' hypothesis proposes OT allocates investment to valued relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the 'Identify and Invest' hypothesis regarding oxytocin's role in romantic relationships.
  • To investigate how naturally occurring oxytocin levels change in response to relationship dynamics.
  • To explore the association between oxytocin changes and relationship involvement assessments.

Main Methods:

  • Two studies were conducted with romantically involved individuals (N=75 couples, N=148 individuals).
  • Participants completed a thought-writing task about their partner.
  • Salivary oxytocin levels and relationship involvement facets were measured before and after the task.

Main Results:

  • Increased oxytocin levels correlated positively with self-reported relationship involvement.
  • Increases in participants' oxytocin were associated with partners reporting lower relationship involvement.
  • Oxytocin changes reflected discrepancies between self and partner assessments of relationship investment.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the 'Identify and Invest' hypothesis for oxytocin in romantic couples.
  • Oxytocin may act as a mediator of psychological investment in relationships.
  • The 'Identify and Invest' model may extend to other social bonds beyond romantic partnerships.