Female mice drugged to stop producing oxytocin temporarily stopped maternal behaviours. (COUNTERARGUMENT: this could be due to side effects of drug)
Wagner (1980)
Castrated male mice reduced aggressive behaviour which returned when testosterone was injected
Can be used to develop hormones treatments to improve infant bonding in postnatal depression or psychosis and reducing aggression
Oestrogen
Higher concentration in females, produces female secondary sexual characteristics and regulates menstruation. Linked to irritability and caring behaviour
Oxytocin
Stress reducing "love hormone" producing during breastfeed and sexual reproduction, promotes pair bonding and helps mothers bond to neonates
Testosterone
Higher concentration in males, starts development of male genitals before birth due to SRY gene on Y chromosome, leads to changes in hypothalamus and is linked to aggressive behaviour
