Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is involved in the development and maintenance of attachment behaviours in humans and other species. Little is known, however, about how it affects judgements of unfamiliar others. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study we investigated the effect of a single intranasal dose of oxytocin on judgements of facial trustworthiness and attractiveness. We found that oxytocin administration increased ratings of trustworthiness and attractiveness of male and female targets in raters of both sexes relative to control ratings, suggesting that higher levels of this neuropeptide may enhance affiliative behaviour towards unfamiliar others. Our results provide evidence in support of a general facilitative role of oxytocin in promoting positive trait judgements. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
| Translated title of the contribution | Oxytocin and social perception: Oxytocin increases perceived facial trustworthiness and attractiveness |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | 128-132 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Hormones and Behavior |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 1 Apr 2009 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2009 |
Research Groups and Themes
- Cognitive Science
Keywords
- Oxytocin
- Social perception
- Attractiveness
- Trustworthiness
- Sex differences
- Affiliative behaviour
- Hormones
- NEURAL CIRCUITRY
- FACES
- HUMANS
- BEHAVIOR
- AMYGDALA
- COMMUNICATION
- NEUROPEPTIDES
- NEUROSCIENCE
- AFFILIATION
- VASOPRESSIN