A neurobehavioral model of affiliative bonding: Implications for conceptualizing a human trait of affiliation

Abstract

Because little is known about the human trait of affiliation, we provide a novel neurobehavioral model of affiliative bonding. Discussion is organized around processes of reward and memory formation that occur during approach and consummatory phases of affiliation. Appetitive and consummatory reward processes are mediated independently by the activity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA)-nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) pathway and the central corticolimbic projections of the u-opiate system of the medial basal arcuate nucleus, respectively, although these two projection systems functionally interact across time. We next explicate the manner in which DA and glutamate interact in both the VTA and NAS to form incentive-encoded contextual memory ensembles that are predictive of reward derived from affiliative objects. Affiliative stimuli, in particular, are incorporated within contextual ensembles predictive of affiliative reward via: (a) the binding of affiliative stimuli in the rostral circuit of the medial extended amygdala and subsequent transmission to the NAS shell; (b) affiliative stimulus-induced opiate potentiation of DA processes in the VTA and NAS; and (c) permissive or facilitatory effects of gonadal steroids, oxytocin (in interaction with DA), and vasopressin on (i) sensory, perceptual, and attentional processing of affiliative stimuli and (ii) formation of social memories. Among these various processes, we propose that the capacity to experience affiliative reward via opiate functioning has a disproportionate weight in determining individual differences in affiliation. We delineate sources of these individual differences, and provide the first human data that support an association between opiate functioning and variation in trait affiliation.

How do warmth, safeness and connectedness-related memories and experiences explain disordered eating?

“…Recent literature, based on neuroscience research, proposed three interacting affect regulation systems: threatprotection, resource-seeking and contentment-soothing system [5][6][7][8][9]. In accordance to this perspective, even though these systems are in constant interaction, they are linked to specific neurohormones and play distinctive evolved functions Specifically, the threat system allows individuals to detect and respond to possible dangers or threats, triggering automatic emotional responses and protective behaviours (such as, submission, fight or freeze).…”

“…Operating through specific brain structures (e.g., the amygdala), this protection system is linked to serotonin genetic and synaptic regulation, and can be activated by threat signals (e.g., social cues or emotional memories) [e.g., 7,8,10]. The resourceseeking system operate through dopaminergic brain pathways and stimulates positive feelings of activation, pleasure and excitement [5,6]. According to Gilbert [6][7][8] this system evolved to guarantee and motivate individuals to seek out and acquire resources that are necessary for survival (e.g., food, sexual opportunities, and alliances).…”

“…However, when individual efforts failed or blocked, this system could activate negative and threatrelated emotions (e.g., shame) [6]. The contentment-soothing system constitute a positive emotion regulation system, which activation gives rise to feelings of content, peaceful and a positive sense of calm [5]. This system is linked to endorphins/opiates and oxytocin and developed in parallel with the evolution of the attachment system, stimulated by 4 signals of care and affection [7,8].…”

Neural correlates of pair-bonding in a monogamous primate

“…The critical areas for the formation of pair-bonds are hypothesized to be the nucleus accumbens in females (Aragona et al, 2005) and the ventral pallidum in males (Lim et al, 2001;Lim and Young, 2004;Lim et al, 2004b). A recent model of affiliation in humans also concentrated on the µ-opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens as mediators of the experience of affiliative reward (Depue and Morrone-Strupinsky, 2005).…”

Multiple Facets of Compassion: The Impact of Social Dominance Orientation and Economic Systems Justification

“…This is extremely problematic from an evolutionary standpoint as affiliative emotions help us regulate threats and social isolation (Depue and Morrone-Strupinsky 2005). The fear of receiving compassion can have a direct effect on one's heart-rate, for example.…”