Figure 3.

Perceived context and the intensity of challenge can regulate the release or effects of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP). Under conditions of safety, the actions of OT may dominate, supporting high levels of sociality. In response to an acute stressor, both OT and VP increase, supporting mobilization and escape, followed in some cases by increases in social behavior especially toward “safe” conspecifics. Following intense or traumatic stressors, initial responses would include mobilization and anxiety. However, following a traumatic experience, individuals may vacillate between mobilization and immobilization with fear or revert to the more primitive response of shutting down. These patterns differ between males and females and as a function of individual life histories.