Where is the love? A double-blind, randomized study of the effects of intranasal oxytocin on stress regulation and aggression

International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology
Chelsea RomneyJulianne Holt-Lunstad

Abstract

Previous studies reveal that oxytocin (OT) encourages prosocial behavior in humans; however, animal studies and recent work in humans suggest that OT may also play a role in aggressive behavior and feelings. The present study investigated these competing predictions in the context of a competitive task among 85 healthy human participants (males and females). Using a randomized double-blind design, participants were assigned to an experimental (intranasal OT) or control (intranasal placebo) group. Hostility (Aggression Questionnaire) was measured at home (T1) and in the lab after intranasal administration (T2). Behavioral aggression was assessed post-intranasal administration. There was a significant difference between the OT and the placebo group on hostility scores (p = 0.03) and a significant time by group interaction for behavioral aggression (p < 0.05). Self-reported hostility was significantly higher at T2 compared to T1 (p < 0.001) among participants in the oxytocin group while no significant change was found in hostility among the placebo group. Behavioral aggression was slightly higher in the OT group (compared to the placebo group) directly after OT administration, however, the opposite relationship was found as the st...Continue Reading

Citations

Sep 3, 2019·Journal of Psychopharmacology·Sean B DolanMatthew W Johnson
Jun 20, 2020·Scientific Reports·Nirit GevaShelly Levy-Tzedek
Feb 16, 2021·Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·Peter Kramer, Paola Bressan
Jun 9, 2021·Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·Shiu F WongMark A Ellenbogen

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