Oxytocin

What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone and acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels increase. In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in pair bonding. Prairie voles, one of nature's most monogamous species, produce oxytocin in spades. This hormone is also greatly stimulated during sex, birth, and breastfeeding.

The Dark Side of Oxytocin

By Christopher Badcock Ph.D. on October 25, 2016 in The Imprinted Brain

Normally thought of as purely positive in its effects, oxytocin is also implicated in religion, nationalism, and xenophobia.

You Have Power Over Your Brain Chemistry

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on October 20, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

Your brain has an operating system inherited from earlier animals. It rewards you with "happy chemicals" when you step toward meeting needs and alarms you with "unhappy chemicals.

Oxytocin, Spirituality, and the Biology of Feeling Connected

By Christopher Bergland on September 28, 2016 in The Athlete's Way

A groundbreaking new study from Duke University has identified a link between oxytocin and feelings of spiritual connectedness.

Key Brain Protein Has Implications for Psychiatric Disorders

By Christopher Badcock Ph.D. on August 15, 2016 in The Imprinted Brain

Levels of the key brain protein, BDNF, vary as predicted by the diametric model of mental illness: lower in psychotic spectrum disorders, but higher in autistic spectrum ones.

5 Secret Ways You Keep Your Partner (and Yourself) Faithful

By Madeleine A Fugère Ph.D. on August 14, 2016 in Dating and Mating

Have you ever wondered about the unconscious behaviors we perform in order to stay faithful? And to keep our mates faithful? Find out which of these behaviors you perform.

Why Winning Feels Good

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on August 09, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

The facts of our brain’s natural competitiveness have been submerged by a warm and fuzzy view of nature. The truth can help us manage our quirky neurochemical operating system.

Are the Results of Animal Therapy Studies Unreliable?

By Hal Herzog Ph.D. on August 04, 2016 in Animals and Us

Most studies of oxytocin ("the love hormone") do not have enough subjects to produce valid results. Unfortunately, this is also true of animal-assisted therapy research.

3 Surprising Facts About the Dangerous Power of Love

By Madeleine A Fugère Ph.D. on July 22, 2016 in Dating and Mating

We think of love as an entirely positive emotion, but there are some surprising downsides to being in love.

7 Habits of a Happy Brain

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on July 07, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

You can build new neural pathways by feeding your brain new experiences. Here's how to choose experiences that stimulate each happy chemical.

Why Hug?

By Darcia Narvaez Ph.D. on July 03, 2016 in Moral Landscapes

Cuddling with mom. Wrestling with dad. Hugging family members. Loving and playful touch contribute to well-being.

3 Reasons Why You Should Cuddle More

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on June 23, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

Cuddling can help you rewrite your history of trust, and enable you to enjoy feeling safe more often.

The Undeniable Power of a Simple Hug

By Suzanne Degges-White Ph.D. on June 17, 2016 in Lifetime Connections

Research finds that asking for a group hug isn't such a bad idea when life feels out of control.

Enjoy More Happy Brain Chemicals This Summer

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on June 16, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

These simple steps will help you avoid common drags on your mood so you can make the most out of your summertime fun.

By Evelyn De Morgan - [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1147033

Love Potion No. 9

By David Ludden Ph.D. on May 01, 2016 in Talking Apes

Oxytocin is commonly known as the “love hormone,” but it can have opposite effects depending on the person and the situation.

The Selfishness of Altruism

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on April 28, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

Altruism feels good because it stimulates dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. In our quest for good feelings, we don't always monitor the results of our altruistic gestures.

Music and the Brain's Reward and Bonding Systems

By Rhonda Freeman Ph.D. on April 28, 2016 in NeuroSagacity

If we look at the neurobiology behind our emotional response to Prince, his music, and his death, it seems that there are two primary brain systems responsible.

Is Love Simply a Puff of Oxytocin?

By Joe Herbert M.B, Ph.D. on April 17, 2016 in Hormones and the Brain

Bonding is an essential part of social, sexual and family life. How much is this due to one simple chemical in the brain?

How Likely Is Your Airliner's Engine to Fail?

By Tom Bunn L.C.S.W. on April 14, 2016 in Conquer Fear Of Flying

Airliners can fly on one engine. Since that leaves no engine in reserve, pilots are required to land immediately if over land. But what happens over water?

The Surprising Benefits of the "Bromance"

By Amy Morin on April 12, 2016 in What Mentally Strong People Don't Do

Studies show there's more to male friendships than beer chugging contests and fist bumps.

Pumping Up Hormones

By Randi Hutter Epstein M.D. on April 06, 2016 in Birth, Babies, and Beyond

How hormones can explain breast pump failures

The Science of Love and Attachment

By Melanie Greenberg Ph.D. on March 30, 2016 in The Mindful Self-Express

Are you in love or in lust? How can you build a relationship that lasts? What do we do when the excitement goes down? An understanding of brain chemicals can provide answers.

6 Science-based Tips for Lifelong Love

By Rita Watson MPH on March 21, 2016 in With Love and Gratitude

Looking for happily-ever-after? Here are 6 science-based ways to lifelong love.

Don’t Try to be Happy on International Day of Happiness

By Eva Ritvo M.D. on March 19, 2016 in On Vitality

We’ve always simply taken it as a given that our ultimate goal should be happiness. But is kindness a better goal?

Dogs and Breasts Boost the Same Hormone?

By Randi Hutter Epstein M.D. on March 13, 2016 in Birth, Babies, and Beyond

Did breastfeeding & now puppies feed my happiness hormones? Small studies suggest so.

Why I Question Academic Research on Happiness

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D. on February 28, 2016 in Your Neurochemical Self

Academic research rests on the belief that “our society is the problem.” Here's what you lose when your information is filtered through a belief system.

A Neuropsychology of Election 2016

By Mark Goulston M.D., F.A.P.A. on February 27, 2016 in Just Listen

Trump = Dopamine; Cruz/Rubio/Clinton = Cortisol; Sanders = Oxytocin; Kasich = Endorphin; Carson = *

Nothing Like the First Time

By Randi Hutter Epstein M.D. on February 14, 2016 in Birth, Babies, and Beyond

What do we really know about the love hormone?

Love Researchers Pinpoint Happily-Ever-After Secrets

By Rita Watson MPH on January 31, 2016 in With Love and Gratitude

Oxytocin fires up love, but kindness and generosity of spirit, along with gratitude, are the secrets to happily-ever-after.

Triggering Happiness Hormones In A Society in Turmoil

By Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on January 27, 2016 in The Hero Within

Ever feel lost, despairing, angry, and searching for answers? I have, and found some answers through learning how to trigger my body's joy hormones.

Of Mice and Women: A Dark Side of Oxytocin and Conservation

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on January 27, 2016 in Animal Emotions

Studies of sex differences in responses to stress now focus on females. Usually data from animal studies are used for humans, but this information is important for the animals.

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