Abstract
Oxytocin, a small neuropeptide of nine amino acids, has been characterized as the “hormone of affiliation” and is stimulated, for instance, in mothers when interacting with their offspring. Variations in maternal oxytocin levels were reported to predict differences in the quality of care provided by mothers. In this study, the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) as a valid measure to assess attachment representations was used as an activating attachment-related stimulus. We investigated whether the AAP induces a release of oxytocin in mothers with a secure attachment representation and a stress-related cortisol response in mothers with an insecure attachment representation. Therefore, pre-post effects of AAP administration on plasma oxytocin and serum cortisol levels were investigated in n = 44 mothers 3 months after parturition. Oxytocin levels increased from pre to post in the significant majority of 73% participants (p = 0.004) and cortisol decreased in the significant majority of 73% participants (p = 0.004). Interestingly, no association between alterations in oxytocin and cortisol were found; this suggests taking a model of two independent processes into considerations. These results show that the AAP test procedure induces an oxytocin response. Concerning the results within the four AAP representation subgroups, our hypothesis of a particularly strong increase in oxytocin in secure mothers was not confirmed; however, in secure mothers we observed a particularly strong decrease in cortisol. Effect sizes are reported, allowing the replication of results in a larger study with sufficient sample size to draw final conclusions with respect to differences in OT and cortisol alterations depending on attachment representation. When interpreting the results, one should keep in mind that this study investigated lactating mothers. Thus, the generalizability of results is limited and future studies should investigate non-lactating healthy females as well as males and include a control stimulus condition.
Highlights
Attachment as a Biobehavioral SystemAttachment is a state in which several physiological and behavioral systems are organized in order to provide an individual with a certain sense of security and protection with others (Bowlby, 1969)
We found no significant differences in the duration of the Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) between the four different attachment representation groups (Kruskal-Wallis test, χ(23) = 1.213, Monte Carlo with 108 simulations: p = 0.764)
Insecure attachment groups which showed a significantly higher increase proportion of oxytocin compared to the secure group after the AAP
Summary
Attachment is a state in which several physiological and behavioral systems are organized in order to provide an individual with a certain sense of security and protection with others (Bowlby, 1969). Bowlby defines these behavioral systems as biological systems that work along with physiological processes. In order to maintain organization within the attachment system, emotional reactivity is regulated within the central nervous system (Main et al, 1985; Bretherton, 1993). The feasibility of the AAP measure as a stimulus in an attachment-related neurobiological context has been proven in diverse experimental settings in clinical and nonclinical groups (Buchheim et al, 2006a,b, 2008, 2009, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
