Positive social relationships have consistently been associated with better health, although
the neurobiological underpinnings of these observed effects remain largely unknown. The
overall goal of the proposed work is to explore novel biological pathways that may explain
how social relationships influence health. Recent theorizing suggests that the oxytocin
system may underlie some of the observed beneficial effects. Four hypotheses will be
examined:
1. Oxytocin ameliorates the deleterious neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and subjective
effects of stress.
2. Oxytocin and social support have similar and additive stress-buffering effects.
3. Effects of oxytocin are evident among younger and older adults.
4. Effects of oxytocin are stronger in women vs men.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Harvard School of Public Health Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)