Oxytocin and Infant Development: A Study of the Genetic Underpinnings Behind Social Behavior in Rhesus Macaques

Authors

Spencer Waters, Brigham Young University
James Dee Higley, Brigham Young University

Keywords

oxytocin, infant development, genetic underpinnings behind social behavior, rhesus macaques

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the neuropeptide oxytocin helps mediate pro-social behavior and bonding between humans as well as other primates. Current genetic research has shown a link between variants in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and measures of social skills in humans. Demonstrating a link between oxytocin genotype and sociality, implies biological underpinnings for social bonding and affiliation in both human and nonhuman primates, suggesting that neurophysiological mechanisms may function to modulate a wide variety of social behaviors.

Recommended Citation

Waters, Spencer and Higley, James Dee (2017) "Oxytocin and Infant Development: A Study of the Genetic Underpinnings Behind Social Behavior in Rhesus Macaques," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017: Iss. 1, Article 75.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/75