Relationships Between Early Maternal Warmth and Social Connection: A Randomized Clinical Trial With Naltrexone.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Early experiences of having received maternal warmth predict responses to opportunities to connect with others later in life. However, the understanding of neurochemical mechanisms by which such relationships emerge remains incomplete. Endogenous opioids, involved in social connection in both animals and humans, may contribute to this link. Therefore, the current study examined a) relationships between early maternal warmth and brain and self-report responses to novel social targets (i.e., outcomes that may promote social connection) and b) the effect of the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, on such relationships.

Methods

Eighty-two adult participants completed a retrospective report of early maternal warmth. On a second visit, participants were randomized to 50 mg of

SUBMITTER: Ross LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8687105 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature