The Role of Intranasal Oxytocin on Social Cognition: an Integrative Human Lifespan Approach
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SOCIAL COGNITION (J BEADLE, SECTION EDITOR)
The Role of Intranasal Oxytocin on Social Cognition: an Integrative Human Lifespan Approach Marilyn Horta 1,2
&
Didem Pehlivanoglu 1 & Natalie C. Ebner 1,3
Accepted: 31 August 2020 # Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Purpose of Review This narrative review synthesizes research from the last two decades on the modulatory role of intranasal OT administration (IN-OT) on social cognition in early life, young/middle adulthood, and older adulthood. Advances and knowledge gaps are identified, and future research directions are discussed within an integrative human lifespan framework to guide novel research on IN-OT and social cognition. Recent Findings Current evidence regarding IN-OT modulation of social-cognitive processes, behavior, and related neurocircuitry is mixed with some studies suggesting benefits (e.g., improved social perception/interactions, emotion processing) depending on contextual (e.g., social stimuli) and interindividual factors (e.g., age, sex, clinical status). Current research, however, is limited by a focus on isolated life phases, males, and select clinical populations as well as a lack of standardized protocols. Summary This literature-based reflection proposes that greater generalizability of findings and scientific advancement on socialcognitive modulation via IN-OT requires standardized, multi-method, longitudinal, and cross-sequential assessments in wellpowered, well-controlled, and representative samples in line with an integrative lifespan approach, which considers development as a lifelong dynamic process involving both change and stability characterized by the interplay between genetic, neurobiological, and socio-behavioral factors. Keywords Oxytocin . Intranasal administration . Neuropeptide . Hormone . Lifespan development . Social cognition
Introduction Oxytocin (OT) is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide that is mainly synthesized in the hypothalamus and serves various evolutionarily conserved physiological, behavioral, and cognitive functions vital for survival in both humans and animals (e.g., metabolic and cardiovascular regulation, parental, and other adaptive social behaviors) [1••, 2••]. Though not exclusively a
This article is part of the Topical Collection on Social Cognition * Marilyn Horta [email protected] 1
Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
2
Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
3
Institute on Aging, Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
“social” neuropeptide, in recent years, OT has garnered particular interest as a modulator of human social cognition [2••, 3]. In early life as well as in adulthood, unimpaired socialcognitive abilities (e.g., social perception, processing, and related decision-making) are critical for accurate interpretation of social cues and facilitation of social interactions. The need for preserved, adaptive social cognition may also be particularly r
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