Oxytocin is the hormone present during child birth which results in the mother-child bond, and is responsible for feelings of connection and trust in social relationships. It is thought to have developed to prevent abandonment of an infant by its mother.
Researchers at Duke University have conducted a study on macaque monkeys to determine the effect of oxytocin on the social behavior of primates. The monkeys were administered oxytocin spray through a respirator, and then presented with an option to keep, share, or waste a drink of fruit juice (a reward). The options were presented symbolically to one monkey with another monkey present, and consisted of two choices in three scenarios: in the first scenario, the monkey chose between rewarding itself vs. not rewarding itself, in the second, between rewarding itself vs. rewarding the other monkey, and in the third, between rewarding the other monkey vs. wasting the drink.
Monkeys treated with oxytocin showed an increase in prosocial behavior, choosing the “reward other” option more often, especially in scenario three, where the alternative was to waste the drink. Eye tracking cameras also showed increased eye contact between oxytocin treated monkeys, especially while making a “reward other” choice, suggesting the monkeys were more aware of each other. However, it took about 30 minutes for the increased prosocial behavior to manifest, suggesting that the hormone has a 30 minute delay period before coming into effect.
This study has shone light on the neurological effect of oxytocin within an animal model which is physiologically similar to humans. Researchers hope to use this knowledge to create hormone therapies for autism, schizophrenia, and other social disorders which involve a dis-interest in other humans.
