The Effects of Behavioral Oxytocin Modification on Romantic Attitudes
Conference Year
January 2019
Abstract
Human beings make decisions based on implicit and explicit processes. The implicit processes are regulated by hormones; however, the same hormone could affect multiple behaviors. In this study, I will modify oxytocin levels by manipulating feelings of trustworthiness and observe if the changes in oxytocin levels affect a distinct construct controlled by this hormone: evaluative processes of romantic stimuli. I will utilize a neuroeconomic game to manipulate endogenous oxytocin levels and observe whether this manipulation changes people’s attitudes towards romantic pictures and their overall desire for a romantic connection.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Alessandra Rellini
Graduate Student Mentors
Wilson Captein
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Wilson Captein (Graduate Student Mentor) and Salli-Ann Holloway (Collaborating Undergraduate Student)
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Neuroscience
Primary Research Category
Social Sciences
Secondary Research Category
Biological Sciences
The Effects of Behavioral Oxytocin Modification on Romantic Attitudes
Human beings make decisions based on implicit and explicit processes. The implicit processes are regulated by hormones; however, the same hormone could affect multiple behaviors. In this study, I will modify oxytocin levels by manipulating feelings of trustworthiness and observe if the changes in oxytocin levels affect a distinct construct controlled by this hormone: evaluative processes of romantic stimuli. I will utilize a neuroeconomic game to manipulate endogenous oxytocin levels and observe whether this manipulation changes people’s attitudes towards romantic pictures and their overall desire for a romantic connection.