The Biology of Resilience

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Oxytocin, Placebo

In brief

Positive social relationships have consistently been associated with better health, although the neurobiological underpinnings of these observed effects remain largely unknown. The overall goal of the proposed work is to explore novel biological pathways that may explain how social relationships influence health. Recent theorizing suggests that the oxytocin system may underlie some of the observed beneficial effects. Four hypotheses will be examined: 1. Oxytocin ameliorates the deleterious neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and subjective effects of stress. 2. Oxytocin and social support have similar and additive stress-buffering effects. 3. Effects of oxytocin are evident among younger and older adults. 4. Effects of oxytocin are stronger in women vs men.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01011465

Run by

Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)

People needed

270

Starts

2009-02-01

Expected to finish

2012-04-01

Last updated by the study team

2012-11-26

Who can join

Age: 22 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• age 22-65, BMI < 30, healthy, English-speaking, 9th grade reading level.

You may not qualify if…

• any known medical condition (including mental disorders) or on any type of medication
• high levels of social anxiety
• smokers
• high rates of alcohol or drug use
• pregnant or suspected pregnant
• breastfeeding
• blood pressures > 140/90 mm Hg
• subject does not have a close friend available to participate in the study with him/her

Where it is running

• Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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