Högskolan i Skövde

This systematic review examines the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT), often referred to as the “bonding hormone”, and its impact on different attachment patterns. Oxytocin is linked to trust, intimacy, and connection in relationships. According to the attachment theory, the quality of early interactions between children and their caregivers has a significant impact, both positively and negatively, on the child's emotional and social development, with implications continuing into adulthood. This review aims to explore intranasally administered oxytocin’s effect on adult attachment styles, to deepen understanding of its influence on social bonding and attachment behavior. The search utilized the academic databases Web of Science, Medline EBSCO, and Scopus. Fifteen peerreviewed empirical studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, where participants were administered oxytocin or a placebo, or both, were selected for the review. The findings indicate that oxytocin has the potential to enhance social bonding, improve relationship dynamics and help handle emotional challenges, specifically for individuals with anxious and avoidant attachment patterns. Future studies should investigate oxytocin’s therapeutic potential in supporting healthy adult attachment and improving mental health.