Pharmacologically Dissecting the Contributions of the Oxytocin and Opioid Systems in the Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Processes Underlying Human Affiliation

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Humans have a fundamental need to secure at least a few stable, positive, significant interpersonal relationships; as Baumeister and Leary (1995) note, “a great deal of human behavior and thought is caused by this fundamental interpersonal motive”. Indeed, humans are distinguished by a repertoire of skills that facilitate social connection: our ability to i) identify the thoughts, feelings and intentions of others, or mentalize, ii) coordinate, or synchronize, our actions with others to achieve common goals, and iii) override self-interest to cooperate with and help others in need. Given the importance of relationships, it is thought that biological mechanisms have evolved to support the initiation and maintenance of these bonds. In this program of research, I will integrate methods from neuroscience, cognitive science and experimental psychology to evaluate the functional role of the oxytocin and opioid systems in the cognitive, affective and behavioral processes that support human affiliation.