Problem:
Maternal bonding establishes a system whereby the mother is attuned to cues from their offspring and has a persistent motivation to care for their young. In males, similar processes, such as attraction to infant-related stimuli, emerge in animals adopting a monogamous mating and social strategy [11,52]. Similar neural circuits responsible for parent-infant bonds drive the development and maintenance of bonds between mating pairs of socially monogamous individuals. From parental behavior evolved a sensitivity to partner cues (i.e., heightened salience mediated by OT) and a persistent motivation to be around one's partner (i.e., DA activation of reward/motivation circuits). Together, these processes aid in maintaining pair bonds over long periods of time. Furthermore, parent-offspring interactions in monogamous mammals set the stage for later bonding in adulthood. 2.2. The Influence of Parental Care of Offspring in Later-Life Bonding Attachment theory, first put forth by Mary Ainsworth and John Bowlby, suggests that early social interactions with caregivers shape representations of self-versus other and affect relationship formation and maintenance into adulthood [53,54,55]. Early in life, individuals seek out caregivers to aid during times of need, distress, or danger, resulting in socially-dependent regulation of homeostasis [56,57,58]. When proximity seeking regularly leads to attention from the caregiver and proper homeostatic maintenance, secure attachment emerges. Need Assignment Help?