AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Higher levels of oxytocin might prompt you to seek companionship and form social connections. Yet estrogen-a hormone present at higher levels in women-can boost oxytocin’s effects. As a result, women may be more likely to tend to loved ones and befriend others in times of crisis.

Detailed explanation-2: -Oxytocin is released in humans in response to a broad array of stressors, especially those that may trigger affiliative needs. Oxytocin promotes affiliative behavior, including maternal tending and social contact with peers.

Detailed explanation-3: -In sum, the tend and befriend theory says that humans, particularly females, often respond to stress by tending to young ones and by seeking connection or befriending one another. When social interactions are comforting, stress levels decrease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Oxytocin can induce anti-stress-like effects such as reduction of blood pressure and cortisol levels. It increases pain thresholds, exerts an anxiolytic-like effect and stimulates various types of positive social interaction. In addition, it promotes growth and healing.

Detailed explanation-5: -But more recent research has shown other roles for the hormone, too: Oxytocin levels are high under stressful conditions, such as social isolation and unhappy relationships.