Intranasal oxytocin increases positive communication and reduces cortisol levels during couple conflict

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In nonhuman mammals, the neuropeptide previous oxytocin term has repeatedly been shown to increase social approach behavior and pair bonding. In particular, central nervous previous termoxytocinnext term reduces behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to social stress and is suggested to mediate the rewarding aspects of attachment in highly social species. However, to date there have been no studies investigating the effects of central previous oxytocin term mechanisms on behavior and physiology in human couple interaction.

METHODS: In a double-blind placebo-controlled design, 47 heterosexual couples (total n = 94) received previous oxytocin term or placebo intranasally before a standard instructed couple conflict discussion in the laboratory. The conflict session was videotaped and coded for verbal and nonverbal interaction behavior (e.g., eye contact, nonverbal positive behavior, and self-disclosure). Salivary cortisol was repeatedly measured during the experiment.

RESULTS: Oxytocin term significantly increased positive communication behavior in relation to negative behavior during the couple conflict discussion (F = 4.18, p = .047) and significantly reduced salivary cortisol levels after the conflict compared with placebo (F = 7.14, p = .011).

CONCLUSIONS: These results are in line with animal studies indicating that central previous oxytocin term facilitates approach and pair bonding behavior. Our findings imply an involvement of previous oxytocin term in couple interaction and close relationships in humans.