The Effect of Oxytocin on the Training of Attachment-related Interpretation Bias in Middle Childhood
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 100
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in trust in mother
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of oxytocin and a cognitive bias modification (CBM) procedure on children's trust in their mother.
Detailed Description
Previous research has shown that children can be trained to interpret ambiguous interactions with mother in a more secure way by use of a CBM procedure. A secure attachment-related processing bias can causally increase children's trust in mother's availability. The present study tests whether intranasal administration of oxytocin can increase the effect of a secure cognitive bias training. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that is involved in human attachment and bonding. Intranasal administration of oxytocin can increase trust among people. After oxytocin or placebo administration, children are either trained to interpret ambiguous interactions with mother in a secure way or receive a neutral training unrelated to interpretation of maternal behavior. Pre- and post-intervention children's trust in mother, support seeking behavior and interpretation of maternal behavior is assessed. Moreover, possible oxytocin side-effects will be monitored.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Factorial
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Double (Participant, Investigator)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 8 Years to 13 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Between 8 and 13 years old
- •Mother can also participate
Exclusion Criteria
- •Known oxytocin allergy
- •Currently using medication
- •Kidney or cardial condition
Arms & Interventions
Oxytocin and Secure CBM training
Intervention: Oxytocin (Drug)
Oxytocin and Secure CBM training
Intervention: Secure CBM training (Other)
Placebo and Secure CBM training
Intervention: Placebo (Drug)
Placebo and Secure CBM training
Intervention: Secure CBM training (Other)
Oxytocin and Neutral CBM training
Intervention: Oxytocin (Drug)
Oxytocin and Neutral CBM training
Intervention: Neutral CBM training (Other)
Placebo and Neutral CBM training
Intervention: Placebo (Drug)
Placebo and Neutral CBM training
Intervention: Neutral CBM training (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in trust in mother
Time Frame: Immediately before and immediately after intervention
Trust in mother as measured by People in My Life Trust subscale.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in attachment-related behavior towards mother(Immediately before and immediately after intervention)
- Change in secure interpretation of ambiguous maternal behavior(Immediately before and immediately after intervention)
- Change in insecure interpretation of ambiguous maternal behavior(Immediately before and immediately after intervention)
- Interpretation speed of positive maternal behavior(Throughout the CBM training, from around 60 minutes until 110 minutes after the start of the procedure)
- Interpretation speed of negative maternal behavior(Throughout the CBM training, from around 60 minutes until 110 minutes after the start of the procedure)