Mom’s voice increases oxytocin just like a nice big hug

According to a new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the sound of a mother’s voice is as comforting and soothing as a nice big hug.  And scientists found that mom’s voice produces increased levels of oxytocin – a powerful hormone often called the “love hormone” and strongly associated with emotional bonding. We often see increased levels of oxytocin during childbirth and breastfeeding.

The study chose 61 mother-daughter couples then deliberately raised the stress levels in the girls, aged 7 to 12 by telling them that they had to solve math problems and give an unrehearsed speech in front of strangers. The idea was to send the girls’ hearts racing and to bring about an increase in the stress hormone cortisol.

Researchers then divided the study group in 3 distinct categories. One group was given full access and contact with their mothers. Another group was allowed just verbal contact and the third was allowed no contact. At the end of the period, all girls were tested for oxytocin levels as well as cortisol levels.

The group that was given full access to their moms and the group that was given only verbal access experienced similar increases in oxytocin levels and similar decreases in cortisol levels.

This is cutting edge information because scientists previously associated the release of oxytocin with only physical contact. And best of all, the study found that this form of verbal hugging had long lasting effects.

Bottom Line: Moms – our voices are powerful instruments. We can hug our girls by just giving them a reassuring phone call when we can’t physically be there. And isn’t that great to know. Isn’t it great to know that our voice has a measured effect on raising our daughters oxytocin levels while at the same time lowering their stress cortisol levels. Ah moms – we are just the best!

What scientists are going to do next with this information is anyone’s guess. But rest assured, the moment that telephone companies get wind of this study, we are going to see a whole new slant to their advertising. The phone companies are going to give oxytocin and cortisol a whole new meaning.

Source: Journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Other posts about Oxytocin:

Mind Wellness:  Is the Prosperity Hormone the next Secret?

Mind Wellness:  Feminine vs Masculine Prosperity Model