Pair- bonding and the Brain
from Medical Institute for Sexual Health:
In the book, Hooked, authored by Medical Institute’s (MI) founder, Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr., MD and our current President and CEO, Freda McKissic Bush, MD, the science of bonding with a sexual partner and the effects related to that bonding is discussed. As the authors and the MI science staff have been reviewing the book for updates, it is encouraging to see that further studies on pair- bonding, including research on the neurochemicals oxytocin, vasopressin and dopamine, continue to support the precepts presented in Hooked. This article presents a review of some of the current literature specifically relating to the brain and bonding.
The term pair-bonding is a scientific term used to describe a mating pattern in which a male and female partner together in a relatively permanent manner. The term is used for many species of animals, including humans. In monogamous systems, pair-bonding is associated not only with relatively permanent partnering, but also with an exclusive mating relationship.1
Many studies done on pair-bonding have used prairie voles as research animals. Critics of Hooked have argued that what happens in prairie voles has little to do with humans. They also argue that although prairie voles are considered monogamous, some individual voles are promiscuous. However, researchers continue to use prairie voles in search of answers to questions about bonding in humans. It is not simply that prairie voles are monogamous creatures, but rather that the neuroscience of bonding involves the same areas in the brain and the same neurochemicals that are found both in humans and prairie voles. 2
The neurophysiology of pair-bonding is very complex, which makes it difficult to explain in layman’s language. That is one reason that Hooked has been such a popular read. The authors were able to break down for parents and other concerned adults these difficult brain processes in an understandable, relatable way. However, as the explanations get passed on by word of mouth, the pitfall of oversimplification can turn quickly to misunderstanding and inaccuracy. As people became familiar with Oxytocin, a neurochemical that is critically involved with bonding, a common erroneous theme emerged that Oxytocin production decreased with repeated sexual intercourse and thus people who had repeated sex or multiple sexual partners no longer had the ability to bond with partners due to a lack of Oxytocin. The truth is that people can damage their ability to bond, but it is not because of a decrease in Oxytocin production. It is a much more complicated process involving brain molding, other neurochemicals and higher brain functions.
Our behavior actually changes our brain.
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