Acute intranasal oxytocin improves positive self-perceptions of personality

Abstract

Rationale Research suggests the experimental manipulation of oxytocin facilitates positive interactions, cooperation, and trust. The mechanism by which oxytocin influences social behavior is not well understood. Objective We explored the hypothesis that oxytocin alters how people perceive themselves, which could be one mechanism by which oxytocin promotes prosocial behavior. Method In a between-subject, randomized, and doubleblind experiment, 100 university students received a 24 I.U. dose of intranasal oxytocin or placebo, and then completed the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and other self-report measures 90 min later. Results Intranasal oxytocin increased ratings of NEO-PI-R extraversion and openness to experiences [F(1,98)=4.910, p=.025, partial η2=.05; F(1,98)=6.021, p=.016, partial η2=.06], particularly for the following facets: positive emotions (d=0.48, p