Are sentiments subject to selection pressures? The case of oxytocin

Behav Brain Sci. 2017 Jan:40:e231. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X16000716.

Abstract

We argue that natural selection operates on emotional and cognitive capacities supporting the subjective experience of sentiments, rather than on discrete sentiments themselves. We support this argument by examining the case of oxytocin in relation to the sentiment of love. We also explore future directions for health psychology research that includes "cold" aspects of contempt in conjunction with "hot" aspects.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Disgust*
  • Emotions
  • Love
  • Oxytocin*

Substances

  • Oxytocin