PSYC 3P75 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Cortisol, Coronary Artery Disease, Orgasm
3 Feb 2017
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This is the perception of help or of caring one receives from significant others in ones life. This includes spouse, friends, family, coworkers, physicians etc. Social support can actually affect ones physiology and perception of stressful events. Esteem support: encouragement and positive comparison (telling someone they"re better off). Emotional support: empathy and caring can reassure someone and physical touch (e. g. hug) can actually change hormone levels. Oxytocin is a brain chemical associated with pair bonding, including mother-infant and male-female bonding (released while breast feeding and during an orgasm to bond the pairs) Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch, and plays a part in the human response cycle. People given oxytocin don"t report feeling any different, but they act differently. Women have reduced levels of cortisol following a hug, as well as reporting the blood pressure benefits. Tangible (instrumental) support: direct assistance (money or physical help)
