Neuroendocrinology of social buffering in group living animals

Abstract

Group living mammals have a distinct characteristic: when conspecific animals are together, they show a better recovery from experiences of distress. This phenomenon, termed 'social buffering', has been found in rodents, birds, non-human primates, and also in humans. This phenomenon is well-observed in bonded dyad; the mother-infant or pair-bonded dyads. Social contact, including allogrooming, appears to have a very positive influence on the psychological and physiological aspects of social animals, including human beings. These relationships depend on the neuroendocrine system, especially oxytocin. Oxytocin is released by affiliative social contact in dyads and can ameliorate stress and anxiety in both sides. This review overviews the classic finding of social buffering in animals and describe the recent findings of neuroendocrinological mechanisms for social buffering.