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The link between oxytocin plasma levels and observed communication behaviors during sexual and nonsexual couple discussions: An exploratory study
- Source :
- Psychoneuroendocrinology. 129:105265
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 2021.
-
Abstract
- The role of oxytocin (OT) in close relationships is complex, as both positive and negative associations have been found between OT and relationship processes. Also, with most research focusing on the effects of exogenous OT administration on communication and couple behaviors, our knowledge about the association between endogenous OT and couple dynamics remains limited. This study is the first to assess the link between peripheral OT levels and observed communication behaviors during sexual and nonsexual conflict discussions in romantic relationships. A sample of 126 young, heterosexual couples (Mean age=23.3, SD=2.4; average relationship duration=1.9 years, SD=0.9) participated in videotaped sexual and nonsexual couple conflict discussions of 7min each. Communication behaviors were coded using an adaptation of the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF) and the System for Coding Interactions and Family Functioning (SCIFF). Blood samples were collected prior to the couple discussions, during a separate lab visit, and OT plasma levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Plasma OT levels were positively associated with validating behaviors during sexual discussions in both women (r=+.24, p=.008) and men (r=+.18, p=.052). No significant associations were found between OT levels and validating behaviors during nonsexual discussions and between OT and affectionate and negative behaviors during either sexual or nonsexual discussions. Analyses revealed significant associations between OT levels and one's own validating behaviors during sexual discussions (b =47.82, t(201.16)=3.81, p&nbsp
- Subjects :
- Male
SATISFACTION
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Family functioning
MARITAL QUALITY
VASOPRESSIN
BLOOD-PRESSURE
Oxytocin
Medical and Health Sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Endocrinology
Sexual communication
Psychiatry
Communication
MEN
ATTACHMENT
Psychiatry and Mental health
Sexual Partners
Mental Health
MARRIED-COUPLES
Female
Psychology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Clinical psychology
medicine.drug
Adult
QUESTIONNAIRE
Exploratory research
Couples
Affect (psychology)
INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Young Adult
03 medical and health sciences
Clinical Research
Behavioral and Social Science
medicine
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Association (psychology)
Biological Psychiatry
CONFLICT
Science & Technology
Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Neurosciences
Plasma levels
030227 psychiatry
Coding system
Neurosciences & Neurology
030217 neurology & neurosurgery
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 03064530
- Volume :
- 129
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....264ba187bbbcaad119b398e678e6b95b