Oxytocin Spray Promotes Altruism
A Dutch university study published last week found that oxytocin spray can promote ‘protective altruism’ between unrelated individuals who see themselves as belonging to the same group. The researchers discovered that oxytocin appears to strengthen feelings of solidarity and protectiveness amongst the ‘in group’ whilst increasing suspicion and hostility to the percieved ‘out group’. The scientists speculate that the findings may point to a role for oxytocin on the battlefield, explaining feelings of comradeship between soldiers and hostility to the enemy.
