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. 2020 Dec;7(4):175-192.
doi: 10.1007/s40473-020-00214-5. Epub 2020 Sep 12.

The Role of Intranasal Oxytocin on Social Cognition: An Integrative Human Lifespan Approach

Marilyn Horta  1   2 , Didem Pehlivanoglu  1 , Natalie C Ebner  1   3
Affiliations

The Role of Intranasal Oxytocin on Social Cognition: An Integrative Human Lifespan Approach

Marilyn Horta et al. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This narrative review synthesizes research from the last two decades on the modulatory role of intranasal OT administration (IN-OT) on social cognition in early life, young/middle adulthood, and older adulthood. Advances and knowledge gaps are identified, and future research directions are discussed within an integrative human lifespan framework to guide novel research on IN-OT and social cognition.

Recent findings: Current evidence regarding IN-OT modulation of social-cognitive processes, behavior, and related neurocircuitry is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits (e.g., improved social perception/interactions, emotion processing) depending on contextual (e.g., social stimuli) and interindividual factors (e.g., age, sex, clinical status). Current research, however, is limited by a focus on isolated life phases, males, and select clinical populations as well as a lack of standardized protocols.

Summary: This literature-based reflection proposes that greater generalizability of findings and scientific advancement on social-cognitive modulation via IN-OT require standardized, multi-method, longitudinal, and cross-sequential assessments in well-powered, well-controlled, and representative samples in line with an integrative lifespan approach, which considers development as a lifelong dynamic process involving both change and stability characterized by the interplay between genetic, neurobiological, and socio-behavioral factors.

Keywords: Hormone; Intranasal Administration; Lifespan Development; Neuropeptide; Oxytocin; Social Cognition.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1:
Fig. 1:
Literature Synthesis, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions in IN-OT Research on Social Cognition Note: IN-OT: Intranasal Oxytocin, PWS: Prader-Willi Syndrome, ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder, OT: Oxytocin, SCZ: Schizophrenia, bvFTD: Behavioral variant of Frontotemporal Dementia, AGeNeS-OT: Age-Related Genetic, Neurobiological, Sociobehavioral Model of Oxytocin
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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