The activation of the attachment system facilitated affect regulation because it involved
powerful but temporary chemical changes in the body, described as the ‘HOME’ response:
oxytocin signalled both body and brain to temporarily lower its guard, leading to serotonin
(a soothing opiate) plus dopamine, a reward hormone encouraging the organism to repeat the
experience (Zak, 2012). Oxytocin, then, was a key marker of attachment and of great interest to
those aiming to understand its role in therapy.