Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are neuropeptides that govern the social-emotional functioning of humans. We contend that to fully understand their function, research should consider how they are flexibly fitted to maximize survival and reproduction given the variety of human experience. In a series of two studies, we show that early life stress is associated with change in the core function of OT and AVP in evolutionary predictable ways: Under high early life stress, AVP promotes threat-detection capabilities, whereas OT motivates non-selective proximity seeking to others. Conversely, under low early life stress these neuropeptides have an opposite, yet adaptive response: AVP promotes low vigilance and preservation of energy, whereas OT increases detection of interpersonal flaws. Our results demonstrate the plasticity of neuropeptide functioning that mirrors the variance in human social-emotional functioning.
Highlights
Since the discovery of neuropeptides (e.g., Smelik, 1960; De Wied, 1961), there has been a growing interest in understanding their various functions
Research has indicated that oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) oversee the social-emotional functioning of humans, and the commonly held view is that these neuropeptides serve the same function among different people
We examine biological sex differences in basal levels of OT and AVP and in early life stress
Summary
Since the discovery of neuropeptides (e.g., Smelik, 1960; De Wied, 1961), there has been a growing interest in understanding their various functions. Research has indicated that oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) oversee the social-emotional functioning of humans (e.g., social bonding, social aggression, vigilance to social threats; Bos et al, 2012), and the commonly held view is that these neuropeptides serve the same function among different people We challenge this perspective and suggest that to fully understand the adaptive function of these neuropeptides, the plasticity of human behavior at times of threat must be considered. The plasticity of human behavior at times of threat was suggested by Boyce and Ellis (2005) who argued that we were perfected by evolution to be biologically sensitive to the environmental context, as well as by Belsky’s differential susceptibility theory (DST; Belsky, 1997, 2005) They suggested, for example, that developing heightened reactivity to stressors may confer selective advantages in certain social and ecological contexts.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
