Hormonal Mechanisms of In-Pair Mating and Maintenance

Abstract

Abstract The present chapter provides a review of research addressing the hormonal mechanisms of in-pair mating and maintenance. Using the integrative model of relationship maintenance as a guiding framework, the chapter explores relational maintenance processes at the interactive or relational level and their hormonal correlates. Specifically, the chapter explores interactive maintenance strategies aimed at mitigating relationship threat, which include conflict management, forgiveness, sacrifice, facilitation, and dyadic coping; and those aimed at relationship enhancement, which include communication, relationship talk, social support/responsiveness, humor, and joint leisure activities. Each of these strategies is then linked to research on three hormones of interest when exploring social relationships: testosterone, oxytocin, and cortisol. The chapter concludes with a summary of research on these three hormones and relationship maintenance, as well as by providing future directions for researchers interested in exploring the hormonal mechanisms of in-pair mating and maintenance.