Researchers were measuring the amounts of oxytocin (pleasure hormone) and cortisol (stress hormone) that were released in the girls. What do you think they found? Okay, did it make a difference if they spoke with mom or texted her? Yep. When the girls spoke with their mom in person or on the phone, their cortisol levels decreased and their oxytocin levels increased. However, what they found when the girls had no physical contact with their mother, including IMing, they did not experience the same changes in cortisol and oxytocin levels.
In case you're wondering, cortisol is the hormone that our body releases when we are exposed to stressful situations. You may know cortisol as "tire around the belly" hormone. That's because large amounts of it over time can stimulate fat storage around the stomach. Plus, cortisol over prolonged periods can lead to heart disease and other health problems. On the flip side, oxytocin is known as the "cuddle hormone" and it makes us feel good inside. Not only is it an important hormone in reproduction and birthing, it's also known to brighten our mood. When something makes us feel good, we want more of it.