Theory of mind as a link between oxytocin and maternal behavior

MacKinnon, Anna; Carter, C. Sue; Feeley, Nancy; Gold, Ian; Hayton, Barbara; Santhakumaran, Sangeetha; Zelkowitz, Phyllis

doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.03.018

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Researchers found that oxytocin that was measured at 32-34 weeks gestation was indirectly associated with greater maternal structuring and fewer intrusive maternal behaviors at 2-3 years postpartum, through the mothers' theory of mind (one's ability to understand and take into account another individual's mental state) [56]. The results of this follow-up study indicated that one's theory of mind ability may represent a social cognitive mechanism linking endogenous maternal oxytocin and maternal caregiving [55].…”

Section: Oxytocinmentioning

confidence: 71%

“…Oxytocin is another important neurotransmitter to include when discussing the neuroendocrine system and caregiving. MacKinnon, et al [55] examined the influences of oxytocin during the end of pregnancy and postpartum on maternal behaviors, using the EA scales. Researchers found that oxytocin that was measured at 32-34 weeks gestation was indirectly associated with greater maternal structuring and fewer intrusive maternal behaviors at 2-3 years postpartum, through the mothers' theory of mind (one's ability to understand and take into account another individual's mental state) [56].…”

Section: Oxytocinmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Neurobiological Implications of Parent–Child Emotional Availability: A Review

et al. 2021

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Parental influences are important for a child’s behavior, overall adjustment, as well as cognitive/language development. New research is exploring how relationships with parents can influence a child’s neurobiological functioning and development. In this systematic review, our first aim is to describe how the caregiving environment influences these aspects of child development. The second and main aim is to review and recommend that the concept (and measurement) of “emotional availability” may provide a new window in this continued exploration. Emotional availability (EA) refers to the capacity of a dyad to share an emotionally healthy relationship. The EA Scales assess this construct using a multi-dimensional framework, with a method to measure the affect and behavior of both the child and adult partner (caregiver). In this review, we first provide an overview of child development research, with regards to stress physiology, neuroendocrine system, genetics and epigenetics, and brain mechanisms. We then summarize the results of specific EA research in these areas, and propose a theoretical model integrating these constructs. Finally, we offer areas for future research in this area.

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Section: Oxytocinmentioning

confidence: 71%

Section: Oxytocinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurobiological Implications of Parent–Child Emotional Availability: A Review

et al. 2021

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“…The authors propose a model where ToM is seen as an intermediate between oxytocin and maternal behavior, although they do not find a direct path between oxytocin and maternal behavior. A follow‐up study revealed that these indirect effects were present even 2–3 years postpartum 42 . Although animal studies have shown a direct path between oxytocin and parental behavior, 43 the findings by Mackinnon et al 24,42 suggest more complex relationships in humans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A follow-up study revealed that these indirect effects were present even 2-3 years postpartum. 42 Although animal studies have shown a direct path between oxytocin and parental behavior, 43 the findings by Mackinnon et al 24,42 suggest more complex relationships in humans. In humans, oxytocin during late gestation might help to kickstart the ToM abilities that last until at least 2-3 years postpartum, which in turn have an effect on parental behavior.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Theory of mind during pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review

Hof

Straathof

Spalek

et al. 2023

J Neuroendocrinology

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Pregnancy is associated with prominent structural changes in brain areas involved in Theory of Mind (ToM), pointing to the possibility of modifications in ToM‐related behavior and brain responses in parents. We performed a systematic review screening for studies that examined ToM in pregnant and/or early postpartum parents. The evaluation of the included 12 studies allowed us to construct an overview of ToM changes during pregnancy and postpartum as well as other associated factors, such as oxytocin, mental health, and parental behavior. Four studies examined ToM changes by comparing pregnant/early postpartum parents with nulliparous parents or prepregnancy measures. They reported no differences between groups measured with a self‐report questionnaire but found group differences using an experimental approach. The results from the summarized studies further suggest a mediatory role of oxytocin between ToM and certain parental behavior. In addition, while no link between postpartum depression and ToM was observed, findings do point to an association between depressive and remote maternal behavior and anxious attachment style and ToM abilities in pregnant participants. Research findings regarding the interaction of ToM with both parity and maternal attachment to the fetus are ambivalent. Overall, research on this topic is scarce, limiting our ability to draw firm conclusions and stressing the need for further research on this topic. This review presents an overview of research findings on ToM and associated factors in pregnancy and the postpartum period and discusses directions for future research.

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“…The present investigation forms part of a larger follow-up study on hormonal, genetic, and psychosocial factors in the developing mother-child relationship, of which other data are reported elsewhere (e.g., King et al, 2017;MacKinnon et al, 2018). All measures for the follow-up were administered during one laboratory assessment at approximately 2.5 years postpartum.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The interaction between oxytocin receptor gene methylation and maternal behavior on children's early theory of mind abilities

et al. 2019

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Theory of mind, the ability to represent the mental states of others, is an important social cognitive process, which contributes to the development of social competence. Recent research suggests that interactions between gene and environmental factors, such as oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms and maternal parenting behavior, may underlie individual differences in children's theory of mind. However, the potential influence of DNA methylation of OXTR remains unclear. The current study investigated the roles of OXTR methylation, maternal behavior, and their statistical interaction on toddlers’ early emerging theory of mind abilities. Participants included a community sample of 189 dyads of mothers and their 2- to 3-year-old children, whose salivary DNA was analyzed. Results indicated that more maternal structuring behavior was associated with better performance, on a battery of three theory of mind tasks, while higher OXTR methylation within exon 3 was associated with poorer performance. A significant interaction also emerged, such that OXTR methylation was related to theory of mind among children whose mothers displayed less structuring, when controlling for children's age, sex, ethnicity, number of child-aged siblings, verbal ability, and maternal education. Maternal structuring behavior may buffer the potential negative impact of hypermethylation on OXTR gene expression and function.

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Theory of mind as a link between oxytocin and maternal behavior

Cited by 14 publications

References 52 publications

Neurobiological Implications of Parent–Child Emotional Availability: A Review

Neurobiological Implications of Parent–Child Emotional Availability: A Review

Theory of mind during pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review

The interaction between oxytocin receptor gene methylation and maternal behavior on children's early theory of mind abilities

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