The purpose of this article is to examine a previously unrecognized role for the vasopressin–oxytocin (VP-OT) system in mammalian “stress-response hormesis.” The current review adds hormesis to the long list of beneficial effects of OT. Hormesis, a biphasic adaptive response to low-level stressors, is introduced here to contextualize the dynamic roles of oxytocin and vasopressin. As with hormesis, the properties of the VP-OT system are context-, time-, and dose-sensitive. Here we suggest that one key to understanding hormesis is the fact that VP and OT and their receptors function as an integrated system. The VP-OT system is capable of changing and adapting to challenges over time, including challenges necessary for survival, reproduction and sociality. Prior research suggests that many beneficial effects of OT are most apparent only following stressful experiences, possibly reflecting interactions with VP, its receptors and other components of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. The release of OT is documented following various kinds of hormetic experiences such as birth, vigorous exercise, ischemic events and the ingestion of emetics, including psychedelics. The phasic or cyclic modulation of VP and related “stress” hormones, accompanied or followed by the release of OT, creates conditions that conform to the core principles of hormesis. This concept is reviewed here in the context of other hormones including corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin, as well as cytokines. In general, VP and classic “stress hormones” support an active response, helping to quickly mobilize body systems. OT interacts with all of these, and may subsequently re-establish homeostasis and precondition the organism to deal with future stressors. However, the individual history of an organism, including epigenetic modifications of classical stress hormones such as VP, can moderate the effects of OT. Oxytocin’s effects also help to explain the important role of sociality in mammalian resilience and longevity. A hormetic perspective, focusing on a dynamic VP-OT system, offers new insights into emotional and physical disorders, especially those associated with the management of chronic stress, and helps us to understand the healing power of social behavior and perceived safety.

Background/Objectives. Medical and social care professionals (MSCPs) are disproportionately affected by chronic occupational stress, placing them at elevated risk for autonomic dysregulation, affective disorders, and burnout. Method. This preliminary study includes data obtained from two samples. The data protocols were approved by University of Florida’s IRB (IRB202200233 approved 24 February 2023 and IRB202401217 approved on 2 October 2024) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05766852 and NCT06580119). With a total sample of 39 female MSCPs, we investigated the effects of the novel Somatic Psychoeducational Intervention (SPI), grounded in Polyvagal Theory, on autonomic reactivity, psychological distress symptoms, and salivary oxytocin levels. Participants engaged in a three- to four-week intervention integrating psychoeducation, interoceptive training, breathwork, and somatic movement. A subset was randomly assigned via a random number generator to allow for comparison of the intervention group (n = 8) to control group (n = 7). Results. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed increases in salivary oxytocin (η_p² = 0.46) and reductions in autonomic reactivity (η_p² = 0.24) and psychological distress symptoms (η_p² ranging from 0.24 to 0.47). Benefits were sustained at one-month follow-up. Subset analyses focused on participants receiving the intervention at the same time found that only the participants in the intervention group improved with regard to autonomic reactivity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Correlational analyses showed that changes in oxytocin and autonomic reactivity were associated with mindfulness improvements, which in turn predicted symptom reduction. Conclusions. These preliminary findings support SPI as a potentially scalable intervention with neurophysiological and psychological benefits. However, high attrition and small subgroup sizes necessitate cautious interpretation.

The authors would like to make the following correction to their published paper