The evolved nest, oxytocin functioning, and prosocial development
Mary S Tarsha1, Darcia Narvaez1
1Department of Psychology, Kroc Institute for International Peace Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|July 10, 2023
Summary
Early life experiences within the evolved nest, including supportive care and nature, promote prosociality by shaping neurobiology. This framework highlights key factors for healthy child development and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Neurobiology
- Evolutionary Anthropology
Background:
- Prosociality, or attuned, empathic relating, develops from early life experiences.
- Numerous early social and environmental factors influence child development, necessitating synthesis.
- The evolved developmental niche (evolved nest) framework offers a lens to study these influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the influence of the evolved nest on child neurobiological and sociomoral outcomes.
- Specifically, to investigate the effects on the oxytocinergic system and prosociality.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical studies from human and animal research, meta-analyses, and theoretical articles.
- Analysis of components of the evolved nest: soothing perinatal experiences, breastfeeding, positive touch, responsive care, multiple allomothers, self-directed play, social embeddedness, and nature immersion.
- Examination of effects on oxytocinergic functioning and general prosociality.
Main Results:
- Evolved nest components positively influence parental and child oxytocinergic functioning.
- These components are foundational for developing prosociality.
- The evolved nest framework provides a comprehensive model for understanding prosocial development.
Conclusions:
- Early life experiences within the evolved nest are critical for programming the neuroendocrine system.
- This system undergirds well-being and prosociality.
- Future research and policy should prioritize the evolved nest's role in early development.
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