PSYC23H3 Lecture 4: LECTURE 4.docx
Document Summary
Keeping track of where oxytocin is produced in the brain: produced in the hypothalamus (not about its central role, more about its peripheral role) Secreted in the brain, it has a lot of effects on our social processes: also released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is secreted when you are interacting with people (centrally and peripherally) Bigger surges of it occur during activities like sex. Smaller surges while touching, massaging, swimming in warm water, physical exercise. Oxytocin during pregnancy (feldman, 2007 this study was on humans: as you increase levels of oxytocin during pregnancy, you dramatically decrease levels of cortisol. Slide changes in oxytocin during pregnancy predict bonding-related thoughts and interactive behaviours to both the fetus during late pregnancy and the newborn infant in the first postpartum month (feldman, 2007) Benefits of having healthy interactions with your parents (when you are an infant): enhanced social and cognitive development.
