Affiliation and Aggression: Oxytocin and Vasopressin - Psych 337

Affiliation and Aggression

• Social Behavior Understanding the concepts of affiliation and aggression is crucial in psychology, particularly in the context of social behavior.

  • Affiliation involves positive relationships and social bonds, while aggression can arise in various social contexts.

Neurobiology of Bonding

• Oxytocin (OT) and Vasopressin (AVP)

  • Both are peptide hormones with significant roles in social bonding and behavior.

  • OT is often labeled as the "hormone of love," while AVP is associated with social and aggressive behaviors.

  • They are released from the pituitary gland and affect both central and peripheral functions in social interactions.

Functions of Oxytocin (OT)

• Peripheral Functions

  • Uterine contractions and milk letdown during lactation.

• Central Functions

  • Promotes social approach, bond formation (mother-infant, pair bonds), and memory in social contexts.

  • Facilitates recognition of familiar social partners based on olfactory cues.

  • Studies: OT enhances the motivation for social interactions, as demonstrated in female rats.

Functions of Vasopressin (AVP)

• Peripheral Functions

  • Contributes to vasoconstriction and water retention through receptors such as V1aR and V2R.

• Central Functions

  • Influences aggression especially in males and plays a role in social recognition and memory.

  • AVP's role in increasing aggression towards strangers is significant; however, its effects can differ based on gender.

Social Bonds

• Definition: A strong, positive relationship involving preferred associations with particular individuals over others.

• Types:

  1. Mother-Offspring Bonds

  • Essential for infant survival and successful reproduction.

  1. Pair Bonds

  • Formed in monogamous species like prairie voles; enhances parental care.

  1. Same-Sex Bonds

  • Friendship systems that can have longevity effects on life.

The Importance of Social Bonds

• Benefits:

  • Enhanced survival through cooperative behaviors.

  • Decreased risks associated with living in groups, such as reduced predation and increased resources.

• Costs:

  • Conflicts may arise due to competition for resources.

Social Support and Stress

• Social Buffering Hypothesis:

  • The presence of a social support system can mitigate stress responses.

  • Evidence suggests that social interactions, such as support from a partner, can reduce physiological stress markers such as cortisol levels.

Evolution of Sociality

• Parochial Altruism:

  • Refers to behaviors that promote the welfare of in-group members while potentially harming those in the out-group.

  • Highlighted in studies showing behaviors in primates, including chimpanzees, where members protect and aid their own group, demonstrating a clear differentiation of social bonds.

Exam Preparation

• Reflection Assignment:

  • Choose 1-2 psychiatric disorders from the reading to reflect deeply. Discuss personal experiences or disagreements with the readings.

• Podcast/Posters:

  • Create an engaging presentation that involves either auditory (podcast) or visual (poster) elements addressing hormonal influences on behavior, supported by at least two sources.

Guiding Questions for Reflection**

• Define social bonds and compare to other relationships.

• Discuss the different types of bonds and their evolutionary significance.

• Explain the mechanisms of OT and AVP production and their various effects on behavior.

• Provide examples of social bonds along with their neurobiological basis.