Affiliative reward and the ontogenetic bonding system

Abstract

Miller and Rodgers (2001) proposed a central nervous system based Ontogenetic Bonding System that operates across the life course to promote succorant, affiliative, sexual, and nurturant bonds. I discuss features of this theoretical framework that can inform Depue & Morrone- Strupinsky’s (D&M-S’s) model. Most important, I suggest that the affiliative reward processes D&M-S describe are better conceptualized as subserving the affect/motivation of affection.