The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #7: On More Oxytocin Triggers

So far, I have shared several examples of how oxytocin makes us (and other animals) behave more pro-socially. Nevertheless, what causes the initial release of oxytocin? We have discussed how witnessing an act of trust boosts oxytocin levels in the observer. Examples of this can be seen in the first edition of this series, when people witness a wedding, or at further editions when people play "The Trust Game". After the trusting act, the observer behaves more pro-socially. Through what other channels can oxytocin be released? If oxytocin makes us better behaving humans, it would be great to know how to trigger it in people. In this post, I will present one more way in which people release oxytocin, physical touch.

For years, I have known that cuddling your loved one, or petting your dog/cat makes you release oxytocin. Even though I have had this knowledge for years, I never knew until now the consequences of releasing oxytocin. Furthermore, I cannot recall how I came across this piece of knowledge so many years ago. Fortunately, "The Moral Molecule" has confirmed my knowledge. Hopefully this time around I will not forget when and how I came across this information. When you pet your dog's belly, it releases oxytocin which in turn calms it down, relaxes it, and makes it feel safe. You can trigger similar effects on another human by rubbing your fingertips just between his/her ribs. This stimulates the vagus nerve which is rich in oxytocin receptors. To test this, Zak gathered participants who would get a massage and play "The Trust Game" while donating blood samples in order to measure their oxytocin levels. The poor control group did not get a massage, though. They just sat down in a chair for that portion of the experiment.

Pixabay image source.

The experiment design was the following. Zak and his colleagues would bring eight to twelve participants at once, take their blood, give them a fifteen-minute massage, have them play "The Trust Game", and finally, take their blood again. If you are wondering what is "The Trust Game", check this edition of "The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope". For the control group it was all the same, but instead of getting a massage, they just sat down in a chair for those fifteen minutes. The results they came up with were in line with what we have discussed when oxytocin release is prompted by trust. Those who got massages had a nine percent increase in their oxytocin levels. But the most impressive results were hold by the people who had received a massage, were the B-players in "The Trust Game", and had received a transfer from the A-player (or in other words, witnessed an act of trust). These participants' willingness to reciprocate by giving money back increased by 243 percent!

I know I will sound like a hippie, but there is great strength and virtue in simple physical contact. Not only it makes you feel better, but apparently it also makes you behave more pro-socially! Do not take it for granted and learn to appreciate sincere physical displays of affection. Embrace the other person, and pay attention to your body, maybe you will feel the oxytocin coming out!

In the next edition, we will explore yet another trigger of oxytocin: witnessing someone is distress. What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinions.

Sources:

• Morhen, V. B., et al. (2008). Monetary sacrifice among strangers is mediated by endogenous oxytocin release after physical contact. Evolution and Human Behavior 29, 375-83.

If you want to check out other thoughts that this awesome book has evoked, click on these past posts:

• The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #1: Witnessing An Act Of Trust Makes You Behave More Pro-Socially
• The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #2: On An Erroneous And Antiquated Economic View Of Human Behavior
• The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #3: On The Relation Of Oxytocin And Pro-Social Behavior
• The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #4: On The Significance Of Oxytocin Modulating Our Behavior
• The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #5: On Courtship
• The Moral Molecule Under The Microscope #6: On How Oxytocin Makes You Either A Player Or A Family Guy

Best,

@capatazche