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Oxytocin effects on resting-state heart rate variability in women: the role of childhood rearing experiences

  • D. Schoormans
  • , W.J. Kop
  • , Laura E. Kunst
  • , M.M.E. Riem

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Oxytocin is known for its stress-reducing effects and has been associated with autonomic nervous system measures (ANS) involved in the stress response, such as heart rate variability (HRV). The current study examined the effects of intranasal oxytocin on HRV among women (oxytocin N ​= ​87, placebo N ​= ​86) during rest. Results show that oxytocin reduced RMSSD and low frequency (LF)-HRV, but only in women with positive childhood rearing experiences, and not in women with negative childhood experiences. These findings suggest that oxytocin plays a role in ANS regulation and that childhood rearing experiences may influence oxytocin effects on this stress regulating system.
Original languageEnglish
Article number100007
Pages (from-to)1-4
Number of pages4
JournalComprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology
Volume3
Early online date12 Jul 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2020

Funding

Madelon Riem was supported for this study by the Tilburg University Alumni Fund, the Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, and the Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders, Tilburg University, The Netherlands. The sponsors did not have involvement in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Funders
Universiteit van Tilburg

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
      SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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