Psych Biological Approach - Hormones/Pheromones

Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system.  Hormones are released into the bloodstream and play a role in bodily functions like growth, mood and reproduction.

Oxytocin is a hormone that is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland, referred to as the “love hormone”. It plays a role in sexual reproduction, childbirth and social bonding. In humans, it’s released during orgasm, labor contractions, breast feeding, hugging, and skin to skin contact. Oxytocin is also associated with the formation of trust and empathy between individuals, influencing social behaviors.

Pheromones

Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released by an animal that affect the behavior of other members of the same species.

Mammals have the vomeronasal organ located in the anterior nasal cavity, where pheromone info is processed. But humans either lose it after birth or have it but its non functional.

Schneiderman (2014) - Hormones

A) Investigate the relationship between oxytocin levels and self reported feelings of romantic attachment and observational pair-bond behavior

M) Mixed method Longitudinal study using 163 western university students split into 2 groups

“New Lovers”: 60 couples avg age 22-25 years

“Singles”: 43 participants avg age: 24

Measure 1: Levels of plasma (blood) oxytocin

Measure 2: Self-reported interviews: alone (Romantic Couples Interview)

Measure 3: pair-bond observations: Mins. (scored 1-5)

Measure 4: relationship status 6 months later

R) Found that new lovers had significantly higher oxytocin levels than singles. Also found that couples with higher levels of oxytocin stayed together (6 months later) more often than couples with low oxytocin

Saxton et al. (2008) - Pheromones

A) Investigate if exposure to androstadienone (a male pheromone secreted under the armpits), could influence women's perceptions of male attractiveness during speed dating interactions. The researchers sought to determine if androstadienone could affect attraction in real life.

M) 25 women participated in a speed-dating event in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. They were exposed to either androstadienone (the pheromone) or a placebo (control condition) during the speed-dating event. Androstadienone/the placebo were applied to a facial tissue and rubbed under the nose. Participants engaged in a series of short encounters with multiple men. After each interaction, the women rated the attractiveness of the men they met.

R) Women who were exposed to androstadienone rated men as more attractive compared to those who were exposed to the placebo.

Androstadienone may influence women's perceptions of men during brief social interactions, such as speed dating. Androstadienone, could play a role in romantic attraction. The effects were small, indicating that while pheromones can have an impact, they are only one factor among many in social and romantic attraction

Cutler et al. - Pheromones

A) If a synthetic pheromone added to men’s aftershave could increase “sociosexual” behaviors like physical affection, dating and sexual intercourse. Researchers believed this pheromone would increase males’ attractiveness to women and increase their romantic and sexual interactions

M) 38 men participated in this double blind, placebo controlled field experiment.  One group had the synthetic pheromone added to their aftershave and another group had the placebo added.  They were told to use it 3 times a week for the 6 week period of the study

R) Men using the synthetic pheromone reported more affection and sexual intercourse from a romantic partner

Pheromones might enhance a males’ attractiveness and increase their sexual and romantic interactions