Ditzen
Fakultäten » Philosophische Fakultät » Psychologisches Institut » Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie » Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ehlert » Ditzen
Current research project
| Title / Titel | Oxytocin, Couple Interaction and Wound Healing | ||||||||
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| Abstract (PDF, 14 KB) | |||||||||
| Summary / Zusammenfassung | There is broad epidemiological evidence suggesting that happy couple relationships increase individual health. This effect is suggested to be mediated through reduced psychobiological stress responses in happy couples. However it remains to be determined which mechanisms might mediate this effect on the level of the central nervous system. Recent studies suggest that the neurotransmitter oxytocin might be involved in attachment, bonding, and stress resilience. A direct effect of oxytocin on health or its interaction with couple behavior with regard to health related parameters has not been investigated so far. Many people in our society live in close social relationships. Hence, we consider studies which investigate stress protection and health promoting factors in close relationships most important for public health. In the planned research project we aim to investigate the influence of oxytocin nasal spray on couple behavior, psychobiological stress reactions and wound healing. We hypothesize that oxytocin might positively influence couple behavior, thereby improving healing of a standard wound. In the planned research project long-term couples will be studied. These couples will be investigated in the University Hospital in Zurich and will either receive oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo. Dermatologists working at the University Hospital will then apply a small standard wound to the arm and observe healing of this wound during the following week. The healing process of this standard wound will indicate the immune system functioning of the body. In a second part of this study, all couples will be asked about their feelings and social interactions in everyday life using a handheld computer. We will then relate these self-report data to data of the healing process. With this design we hope to capture the psychobiological mechanisms underlying couple interaction and health in couples’ everyday life. |
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| Keywords / Suchbegriffe | Oxytocin, Couple Interaction, Wound Healing | ||||||||
| Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte |
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| Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch |
SNF (Personen- und Projektförderung) |
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| Duration of Project / Projektdauer | Jun 2009 to May 2012 |