Evidence for a neuroendocrinological foundation of human affiliation - Plasma oxytocin levels across pregnancy and the postpartum period predict mother-infant bonding

被引:544
作者
Feldman, Ruth [1 ]
Weller, Aron
Zagoory-Sharon, Orna
Levine, Ari
机构
[1] Bar Ilan Univ, Dept Psychol, IL-52900 Ramat Gan, Israel
[2] Bar Ilan Univ, Gonda Brain Res Ctr, IL-52900 Ramat Gan, Israel
关键词
D O I
10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.02010.x
中图分类号
B84 [心理学];
学科分类号
04 [教育学]; 0402 [心理学];
摘要
Although research on the neurobiological foundation of social affiliation has implicated the neuropeptide oxytocin in processes of maternal bonding in mammals, there is little evidence to support such links in humans. Plasma oxytocin and cortisol of 62 pregnant women were sampled during the first trimester, last trimester, and first postpartum. month. Oxytocin was assayed using enzyme immunoassay, and free cortisol was calculated. After the infants were born, their interactions with their mothers were observed, and the mothers were interviewed regarding their infant-related thoughts and behaviors. Oxytocin was stable across time, and oxytocin levels at early pregnancy and the postpartum period were related to a clearly defined set of materoal bonding behaviors, including gaze, vocalizations, positive affect, and affectionate touch; to attachment-related thoughts; and to frequent checking of the infant. Across pregnancy and the postpartum period, oxytocin may play a role in the emergence of behaviors and mental representations typical of bonding in the human mother.
引用
收藏
页码:965 / 970
页数:6
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