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

人类有一种基本需求，那就是确保至少一些稳定、积极、重要的人际关系；正如Baumeister和Leary（1995）所指出的，“人类的许多行为和思想都是由这种基本的人际动机引起的”。事实上，人类的特点是拥有一系列促进社会联系的技能：我们有能力：1)识别他人的想法、感受和意图；2)协调或同步我们与他人的行动，以实现共同目标；3)超越自身利益，与有需要的人合作并帮助他们。鉴于关系的重要性，人们认为生物机制已经进化到支持这些关系的发起和维持。在这个研究项目中，我将整合神经科学、认知科学和实验心理学的方法来评估催产素和阿片系统在支持人类关系的认知、情感和行为过程中的功能作用。

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.