Fostering Bonds and Trust with Oxytocin
Known as
the "love hormone", oxytocin creates connection, reduces anxiety, and
facilitates learning. Instructors can promote relationship-building through
oxytocin to create positive martial arts experiences for students.
How
Oxytocin Works in the Brain
Oxytocin
is produced in the hypothalamus and secreted from the posterior pituitary
gland. It plays a vital role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and
childbirth.
Oxytocin
is released when we hug, orgasm, breastfeed, or otherwise connect with other
people. It reinforces feelings of trust, generosity, and attachment.
Oxytocin
receptors are found in brain regions involved with empathy, such as the
amygdala. Oxytocin makes us more attuned to social cues and promotes prosocial
behaviors.
Building
Instructor-Student Bonds
The
student-instructor relationship is vital for conveying knowledge, values, and
technical skills. Oxytocin solidifies this bond.
Instructors
should demonstrate warmth and interest in their students' lives. Laughing
together and giving high fives stimulate oxytocin. This helps students open up
and trust their teacher.
Gentle,
appropriate physical contact can further boost oxytocin. For example,
correcting a student's stance with a hand on their shoulder. Mutual trust is
essential for openness to instruction and feedback.
Fostering
Student-Student Bonds
Synchronous
movements and exercises raise oxytocin levels. Partners mirroring each other's
moves fosters mutual trust and cooperation.
Team-based
drills also bring students together. Bonding through shared victories and
defeats builds camaraderie. Students perform better when oxytocin helps them
work as a cohesive unit.
Regularly
rotating partners prevents any student from feeling excluded. The broader
spirit of community facilitates learning.
Oxytocin-releasing
activities create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, make
mistakes, support teammates, and absorb instruction. Building bonds through the
"love hormone" is key to growth.
