Which hormone is described as activating protection behaviors and making us more reactive, according to the material?

Which hormone is described as activating protection behaviors and making us more reactive, according to the material?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Adrenaline
• C. Oxytocin
• D. Dopamine

Answer: (C)

Oxytocin is described as activating protection behaviors and boosting reactivity because it helps heighten our concern for loved ones and makes us more attuned to social threats. Beyond bonding, oxytocin tunes the brain to be more vigilant and emotionally responsive in social situations, which can translate into protective actions when someone we care about is at risk. In contrast, cortisol and adrenaline are general arousal and stress responders, raising energy for action but not specifically driving protective social behavior; dopamine relates to reward and motivation rather than defensive social responses. So oxytocin aligns best with the idea of mobilizing protective, reactive behavior in social contexts.

Oxytocin is described as activating protection behaviors and boosting reactivity because it helps heighten our concern for loved ones and makes us more attuned to social threats. Beyond bonding, oxytocin tunes the brain to be more vigilant and emotionally responsive in social situations, which can translate into protective actions when someone we care about is at risk. In contrast, cortisol and adrenaline are general arousal and stress responders, raising energy for action but not specifically driving protective social behavior; dopamine relates to reward and motivation rather than defensive social responses. So oxytocin aligns best with the idea of mobilizing protective, reactive behavior in social contexts.