-Anais Nin
I received an e-mail message this week regarding the differences in the way stress is physiologically handled by males and females. It appears that 90% of stress research has been done on males, and the "fight or flight" response that has been reported in stress studies is overridden by a "tend and befriend" response in women. Oxytocin , a hormone that is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, helps mammals bond. "...It seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress responses in a woman, it buffers the fight or flight response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men, says Dr. Klein, because testosterone---which men produce in high levels when they're under stress---seems to reduce the effects of oxytocin. Estrogen, she adds, seems to enhance it."(1)
Hormones have been blamed for a host of human issues but like everything else that we've been hardwired with, they serve a purpose. Our differences, all genders considered, should be celebrated rather than equalized. The causes of stress in our lives might be what we should focus on, rather than our differences.
If we follow our natural inclinations, I think we stand a better chance at being healthy and happy as individuals and as a species.
Science may find a reason why we should spend pleasurable time with other humans, we just need to make the time.
------------------------------
Which Is Your See-Saw Balance? In which part of your life do you feel it is most important for you to have balance - and then after that, other things fall into place?
(1) UCLA Study On Friendship Among Women.
Tips to Keep Friendships Strong.
Photo: Pictured (left to right): Friends Joy Patee, Krista Anderson and Alissa Breatchel at a '60's theme party this past August. Joy and Alissa have since given birth and Krista is now 6 months pregnant.