The effect of oxytocin on spontaneous interpretations of ambiguous maternal behavior

The effect of oxytocin on the training of attachment-related interpretation bias - Oxytocin and attachment-related interpretation bias

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Phase 4

Study type

Interventional

Source

EU CTR

Registry ID

EUCTR2014-005352-25-BE

Enrollment

100

Registered

2015-04-24

Start date

2015-08-07

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2025-01-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

General population children (ages 8 - 13 years old)

Interventions

Trade Name: Syntocinon (oxytocin), nasal spray 40 IE/ml Product Name: Syntocinon (oxytocin) Product Code: RVG 03716 Pharmaceutical Form: Nasal spray INN or Proposed INN: Oxytocin CAS Number: 50-56-6 C

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: General population children between the age of 8 and 13 years old. Are the trial subjects under 18? yes Number of subjects for this age range: 100 F.1.2 Adults (18-64 years) no F.1.2.1 Number of subjects for this age range F.1.3 Elderly (>=65 years) no F.1.3.1 Number of subjects for this age range

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Participants will be excluded based on the following criteria: - Known oxytocin allergy - Currently using medication - Kidney or Cardial condition

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Main Objective: In previous research we have demonstrated that it is possible to train children to interpret ambiguous maternal behavior in a positive manner, using a computerbased training task. Results showed that this positive interpretation bias led to an increase in children's trust in maternal support, one of the core concepts of attachment. In the current study, we want to investigate whether we can increase the training effect using oxytocin. Oxytocin is a substance that has been associated with social learning, trust, and attachment. Thus, it seems like a prime candidate to increase the training effect. Children will be administered either a single dose of oxytocin or a placebo substance and then complete either the experimental or the placebo training. This will allow us to examine whether oxytocin results in significantly more positive training effect. ;Secondary Objective: Not applicable.;Primary end point(s): This study will provide information on the role of oxytocin in middle childhood attachment and, more specifically, attachment-related interpretation bias. Furthermore, this study might identify oxytocin as a substance that can further improve the positive effects of our training, thus further improving the clinical relevance of our training. Thus, the anticipated end point is an increase in children's attachment security and a more positive interpretation bias. ;Timepoint(s) of evaluation of this end point: The end of the trial is anticipated August 2016.	—

Measure

Time frame

Main Objective: In previous research we have demonstrated that it is possible to train children to interpret ambiguous maternal behavior in a positive manner, using a computerbased training task. Results showed that this positive interpretation bias led to an increase in children's trust in maternal support, one of the core concepts of attachment. In the current study, we want to investigate whether we can increase the training effect using oxytocin. Oxytocin is a substance that has been associated with social learning, trust, and attachment. Thus, it seems like a prime candidate to increase the training effect. Children will be administered either a single dose of oxytocin or a placebo substance and then complete either the experimental or the placebo training. This will allow us to examine whether oxytocin results in significantly more positive training effect. ;Secondary Objective: Not applicable.;Primary end point(s): This study will provide information on the role of oxytocin in middle childhood attachment and, more specifically, attachment-related interpretation bias. Furthermore, this study might identify oxytocin as a substance that can further improve the positive effects of our training, thus further improving the clinical relevance of our training. Thus, the anticipated end point is an increase in children's attachment security and a more positive interpretation bias. ;Timepoint(s) of evaluation of this end point: The end of the trial is anticipated August 2016.

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Secondary end point(s): Not applicable;Timepoint(s) of evaluation of this end point: Not applicable	—

Countries

Belgium

Contacts

Public ContactSimon De Winter

KU Leuven

simon.dewinter@ppw.kuleuven.be+3201637 30 95

Outcome results

None listed

Source: EU CTR (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026