1
|
Zhang K, Fan Y, Yu R, Tian Y, Liu J, Gong P. Intranasal oxytocin administration but not peripheral oxytocin regulates behaviors of attachment insecurity: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105369. [PMID: 34340132 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In light of the roles of oxytocin (OT) in social bonding and interpersonal relationship, studies have examined the roles of OT in human attachment, but by and large previous findings are inconsistent. Here, we conducted - meta-analyses to estimate the associations between peripheral OT level (e.g., blood and salivary OT) and attachment (i.e., attachment dimensions and behaviors of attachment insecurity) and examine the effects of intranasal OT administration on behaviors of attachment insecurity. The analyses indicated that: (1) Peripheral OT level was not significantly associated with attachment dimensions (e.g., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and behaviors of attachment insecurity; (2) intranasal OT administration significantly reduced behaviors of attachment insecurity of neutral contexts, particularly behaviors of attachment avoidance. The findings suggest that intranasal OT administration is an available approach for reducing behaviors of attachment insecurity of interpersonal situations with ambiguous social cues, which implicates suggestions for therapeutic treatments of attachment-related dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kejin Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; College of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yuhe Fan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Management, School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yajie Tian
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jinting Liu
- Research Center of Brain Function and Psychological Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; College of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erkoreka L, Zumarraga M, Arrue A, Zamalloa MI, Arnaiz A, Olivas O, Moreno-Calle T, Saez E, Garcia J, Marin E, Varela N, Gonzalez-Pinto A, Basterreche N. Genetics of adult attachment: An updated review of the literature. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:530-542. [PMID: 34631458 PMCID: PMC8474999 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i9.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Attachment style, which has been theorized to be rooted in childhood bonding experiences, influences adult cognitive, emotional and interpersonal functioning. Despite its relationship with early experiences, research indicates that the continuity of attachment style across childhood and adulthood is only partial, being a malleable tendency that is shaped throughout development, with an increasing influence of genetics, as it occurs in other cognitive and behavioral phenotypes. Genetic research indicates that up to 45% of the variability in anxious and 39% in avoidant adult attachment style could be explained by genetic causes, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. A narrative review is conducted analyzing the existing literature regarding the implication of candidate genes related to oxytocin, dopaminergic pathways, serotonergic pathways and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adult attachment, with both vulnerability and differential susceptibility approaches, yielding mixed results. We highlight the lack of genome-wide studies and the scarcity of epigenetic investigation. Based on the existing data, we conclude that the genetics of adult attachment is an area that requires further research to clarify its etiological role and that it should be preferably approached as an interaction between nature and nurture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leire Erkoreka
- Department of Psychiatry, Galdakao-Usansolo Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Galdakao 48960, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - Mercedes Zumarraga
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Department of Neurochemical Research, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - Aurora Arrue
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Department of Neurochemical Research, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - M Isabel Zamalloa
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Department of Neurochemical Research, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - Ainara Arnaiz
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Erandio Mental Health Center, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Erandio 48950, Spain
| | - Olga Olivas
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Zaldibar Hospital, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Zaldibar 48250, Spain
| | - Teresa Moreno-Calle
- Department of Psychiatry, Galdakao-Usansolo Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Galdakao 48960, Spain
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| | - Estela Saez
- Department of Psychiatry, Galdakao-Usansolo Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Galdakao 48960, Spain
| | - Jon Garcia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Zamudio Hospital, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Zamudio 48170, Spain
| | - Elena Marin
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Bermeo Hospital, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bermeo 48370, Spain
| | - Noemi Varela
- Grupo Red de Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
- Zamudio Hospital, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Zamudio 48170, Spain
| | - Ana Gonzalez-Pinto
- Department of Psychiatry, BioAraba Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), CIBERSAM, Vitoria-Gasteiz 01004, Spain
| | - Nieves Basterreche
- Zamudio Hospital, Bizkaia Mental Health Network, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Zamudio 48170, Spain
- Grupo de investigación integradora en Salud Mental, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo 48903, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carollo A, Bonassi A, Cataldo I, Gabrieli G, Tandiono M, Foo JN, Lepri B, Esposito G. The relation between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms, adult attachment and Instagram sociability: An exploratory analysis. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07894. [PMID: 34611556 PMCID: PMC8477146 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a primary neuropeptide which coordinates affiliative behavior. Previous researchers pointed to the association between genetic vulnerability on Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) and environmental factors (e.g., social relationships) to comprehend social behavior. Although an extensive knowledge of in-person social interactions has been obtained, little is known about online sociability. A gene-environment perspective is adopted to examine how OXTR and adult attachment moderate Instagram behavior. The genetic factors within the regions OXTR/rs53576 (A/A homozygotes vs G-carriers) and OXTR/rs2254298 (G/G homozygotes vs A-carriers) were assessed. The Experience in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire was used to collect participants' (N = 57, 16 males) attachment with a partner. The number of posts, followed people ("followings") and followers were obtained from Instagram, and the Social Desirability Index (SDI) was calculated as the ratio of followers to followings. Interaction effects between OXTR groups and ECR-R scores on the number of posts and SDI were hypothesized. Results showed an effect of rs53576 on the number of Instagram followings. Specifically, people with A/A OXTR/rs53576 genotype had more followings than G-carriers independent of the anxiety or avoidance felt towards their partner. These preliminary results offer insights into future investigations on social media behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Carollo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Andrea Bonassi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Foundation Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Moses Tandiono
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Foundation Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cataldo I, Bonassi A, Lepri B, Foo JN, Setoh P, Esposito G. Recalled Parental Bonding Interacts with Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Modulating Anxiety and Avoidance in Adult Relationships. Brain Sci 2021; 11:496. [PMID: 33919740 PMCID: PMC8070703 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Early interactions with significant individuals affect social experience throughout the course of a lifetime, as a repeated and prolonged perception of different levels of care, independence, or control influences the modulation of emotional regulatory processes. As many factors play a role in shaping the expectations and features of social interaction, in this study, we considered the influence of parental bonding and genetic allelic variation of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) over levels of experienced anxiety and avoidance in 313 young adults belonging to two different cultural contexts, namely Italy and Singapore. Results highlighted a major effect of maternal characteristics, care, and overprotection, with differences between the two cultural groups. Additionally, the interaction between rs53576 and maternal overprotection suggested different environmental susceptibility in the Italian sample and the Singaporean one. Implications for clinical work and future steps are described in the Conclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Bonassi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Bruno Lepri
- Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Peipei Setoh
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (I.C.); (A.B.)
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore;
| |
Collapse
|