What is Oxytocin? It is a Neuropeptide [noor-oh-pep-tahyd] or a peptide (protein) produced by neural tissue, as a result of hormonal activity. This tiny little molecule affects: pain; rewards; food intake; metabolism; reproduction; social behaviour; learning; and memory functions. For something so tiny, Oxytocin has the capacity to alter our entire social world.

This infographic by BestPsychologyDegrees.org shows how various scientific tests have determined the various ways that Oxytocin can act on our social behaviours, the creation and the preservation of relationships and even decision making. Oxytocin is the love, cuddle, moral, and group think hormone makes us who we are, for better and worse.

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Oxytocin: How One Molecule Shapes Our Social Life

Irma Wallace

Irma Wallace

Co-founder and Vice President of SearchRank, responsible for many of the day to day operations of the company. She is also founder of The Arizona Builders’ Zone, a construction / home improvement portal.

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