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Competitiveness and individual characteristics: a double-blind placebo-controlled study using oxytocin
Hirofumi Kurokawa1, Yusuke Kinari2, Hiroko Okudaira3
1School of Economics and Management, University of Hyogo, 8-2-1 Gakuen-nishi-machi, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2197, Japan. kurokawa@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp.
Scientific Reports
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Oxytocin did not significantly alter competitiveness in men. However, suggestive trends indicated oxytocin may decrease competitiveness in those without autistic traits and increase it in those with autistic traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Oxytocin influences social behaviors, but its effect on competitiveness is unclear.
- Individual characteristics, such as autistic traits, may moderate oxytocin's impact on social behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating role of oxytocin on competitiveness in men.
- To examine if autistic traits amplify the effect of oxytocin on competitiveness.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- 192 male participants were administered oxytocin or placebo.
- Competitiveness was assessed, and autistic traits were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant overall relationship was found between oxytocin and competitiveness.
- Oxytocin tended to decrease competitiveness in participants without autistic traits.
- Oxytocin tended to enhance competitiveness in participants with autistic traits, though not significantly.
Conclusions:
- Oxytocin does not appear to directly modulate competitiveness in men.
- Autistic traits may play a role in how individuals respond to oxytocin regarding competitiveness.
- Further research is needed to confirm the observed trends and explore underlying mechanisms.
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