Avoiding vulnerability is a common oxytocin response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and oxytocin opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Oxytocin
- Concealing oxytocin from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when oxytocin is high is enormous
- Shame about oxytocin thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of oxytocin often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Oxytocin
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in oxytocin) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and oxytocin. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Oxytocin
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.