 |
|
New paper on oxytocin reveals why we are generous
November 07, 2007Neuroeconomist Paul J. Zak of Claremont Graduate University has new research, and a paper, "Oxytocin Increases Generosity in Humans," which will be published November 7, 2007 in PLoS ONE, the online, open-access journal from the Public Library of Science. This research extends his finding based on oxytocin and trust, which was published in Nature two years ago.
In the research, Zak and his colleagues gave doses of oxytocin and a placebo to participants, who were then offered a blinded, one-time decision on how to split a sum of money with a stranger who could accept or reject the split. The results were overwhelming: Those given oxytocin offered 80% more money than those given a placebo.
According to Zak, this means that although we are inherently altruistic, we are also generous when we feel empathy toward one another. It is empathy that causes us to open up our wallets and give generously to help strangers.
"Oxytocin specifically and powerfully affected generosity using real money when participants had to think about another's feelings," Zak explains. "This result confirms our earlier work showing that oxytocin affects trust, but with a dramatically larger effect for generosity."
In his experiments, Zak distinguishes between generosity and altruism by using tasks that involve one's innate motivation to give to others, and when another's plight must be considered. Oxytocin's effect on generosity is more than three times larger then his work from 2005, which demonstrated that oxytocin increases trust.
Zak's recent paper explains the brain mechanisms responsible for the substantial increase in generosity during the last 50 years. Zak and his colleagues cite annual giving levels up 187% since 1954. In 2005, over 65 million Americans volunteered to help charities. 96% percent of volunteers said that one of their motivations was "feeling compassion toward other people"
In previous studies, Zak has shown a relationship between oxytocin and trust, making a clear case that the ancient hormone causes a shift in brain chemistry that is evolutionarily important-the more we trust one another and cooperate, the more we all benefit together.
Public Library of Science
"Oxytocin specifically and powerfully affected generosity using real money when participants had to think about another's feelings," Zak explains. "This result confirms our earlier work showing that oxytocin affects trust, but with a dramatically larger effect for generosity."
In his experiments, Zak distinguishes between generosity and altruism by using tasks that involve one's innate motivation to give to others, and when another's plight must be considered. Oxytocin's effect on generosity is more than three times larger then his work from 2005, which demonstrated that oxytocin increases trust.
Zak's recent paper explains the brain mechanisms responsible for the substantial increase in generosity during the last 50 years. Zak and his colleagues cite annual giving levels up 187% since 1954. In 2005, over 65 million Americans volunteered to help charities. 96% percent of volunteers said that one of their motivations was "feeling compassion toward other people"
In previous studies, Zak has shown a relationship between oxytocin and trust, making a clear case that the ancient hormone causes a shift in brain chemistry that is evolutionarily important-the more we trust one another and cooperate, the more we all benefit together.
Public Library of Science
Oxytocin Current Events and Oxytocin News RSSThe narrow line between love and jealousy
A new study carried out at the University of Haifa has found that the hormone oxytocin, the "love hormone", which affects behaviors such as trust, empathy and generosity, also affects opposite behaviors, such as jealousy and gloating.
Yerkes researchers show early life nurturing impacts later life relationships
Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, have demonstrated that prairie voles may be a useful model in understanding the neurochemistry of social behavior.
Scientists find a common link of bird flocks, breast milk and trust
What do flocks of birds have in common with trust, monogamy, and even breast milk?
New genetic study of Asperger syndrome, autistic traits and empathy
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have identified 27 genes that are associated with either Asperger Syndrome (AS) and/or autistic traits and/or empathy.
Laboring without the labor bed: It's a good thing
A University of Toronto pilot study that re-conceptualized the hospital labour room by removing the standard, clinical bed and adding relaxation-promoting equipment had a 28 per cent drop in infusions of artificial oxytocin, a powerful drug used to advance slow labours.
Why dishing does you good: U-M study
Why does dishing with a girlfriend do wonders for a woman's mood?
Enriched environment improves wound healing in rats
Improving the environment in which rats are reared can significantly strengthen the physiological process of wound healing.
Oxytocin: Love potion #1?
Relationships are difficult and most of us probably think at some point that communicating positively with our partner when discussing stressful issues, like home finances, is an impossible task.
Ecstasy could help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder
Ecstasy may help suffers of post-traumatic stress learn to deal with their memories more effectively by encouraging a feeling of safety, according to an article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology published today by SAGE.
Protein that regulates hormones critical to women's health found in pituitary
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have solved the mystery surrounding a "rogue protein" that plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain.
More Oxytocin Current Events and Oxytocin News Articles
 |
Liquid Trust by Vero Labs Scientists have recently discovered a chemical that makes people trust each other. Liquid Trust is the world's first Trust Enhancing Body Spray, specially formulated to increase trust in the wearer. |
 |
Realm By Erox For Men. Cologne Spray 3.4 Ounces by Erox Introduced in 1993. Fragrance notes: mandarin, orange, berry, ginger and watery notes. Recommended use: casual. |
 |
The Oxytocin Factor: Tapping the Hormone of Calm, Love, and Healing by Kerstin Uvnas Moberg (Author), Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg (Author), Translated by Roberta Francis (Author), Roberta Francis (Translator) From the world's leading authority on oxytocin, a ground-breaking look at "the love hormone" and its role in everything from childbirth and bonding to human relationships. In recent years there have been exciting scientific discoveries about a powerful hormone whose role in the human body has long been neglected. Oxytocin is the hormone involved in bonding, sex, childbirth, and breast-feeding, as well as in relaxation and feelings of calm. It is the mirror image of the stress hormone (adrenaline), which triggers the "fight or flight" systems in the body. Much has been written about the latter but the many-sided importance of oxytocin is currently known only to specialists in obstetrics, physiology, and psychiatry. The Oxytocin Factor, by Dr. Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, is the first book... |
 |
The Chemistry of Connection: How the Oxytocin Response Can Help You Find Trust, Intimacy, and Love by Susan Kuchinskas (Author) When you make love, cuddle with a partner, or have coffee with close friends, a powerful brain chemical called oxytocin floods your body with feelings of contentment and trust. This natural "love drug," produced by the hypothalamus, is responsible for human bonding in both platonic and intimate relationships, and is the key to many of the psychological differences between men and women. In The Chemistry of Connection, you'll learn easy ways to increase your natural supply of oxytocin to establish deeper connections with family, friends, and romantic partners. You'll discover: The power of the "cuddle hormone" in relationships How sex and love are deeply entwined for both women and men The chemical differences between lust, romance, and love How to raise children who trust and... |
 |
New Pheromone Additive for Men by LaCroy Chemical New Pheromone Additive is our number one selling additive-type product. It is perfect if you already have your own favorite colgone and want to spike it with a potent pheromone formula. |
 |
Scent of Eros for Men by JV Kohl Scent of Eros was created by well-known pheromone researcher James V. Kohl, author of the definitive book on pheromones by the same name. Scent of Eros is 100% guaranteed to change your social life or your money back. |
 |
Oxytocin by Snowglobe Snowglobe is the third band this year from Memphis, TN that I have begun listening to (see: Lucero, Harlan T. Bobo). Prior to that, I think Big Star and Elvis were the most recent Memphis exports filling my iPod. Unlike the other two, Snowglobe don't work any kind of inherently Southern, rootsy angle, but opt for a breezier pop sound undercut with darker lyrics. Here is some official details: "Snowglobe is something of an event or occurance, an ever evolving and shifting phenomenon scattered about the southeastern United States, but you can call it a band. It's easier that way. They have been compared to a wide breadth of artists, including the Band, the Kinks, the Flaming Lips, Leonard Cohen, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys. Snowglobe has undeniably been influenced by... |
 |
Primal Instinct UNSCENTED for women by Primal Instinct |
 |
Handbook of Oxytocin Research: Synthesis, Storage and Release, Actions and Drug Forms by Hugo Jastrow (Editor), Daniela Feuerbach (Editor) Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Oxytocin is a peptide of nine amino acids (a nonapeptide). It is best known for its roles in female reproduction: it is released in large amounts after distension of the cervix and vagina during labour, and induction of milk ejection in facilitating birth and breastfeeding. Recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin's role in various behaviours, including social recognition, bonding, anxiety, trust, and maternal behaviours. This book gathers the latest research from around the globe in this field. |
 |
Oxytocin Snowglobe (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |