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Intranasal oxytocin, testosterone reactivity, and human competitiveness.

Boaz R Cherki1, Eyal Winter2, David Mankuta3

  • 1Psychology Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus Campus, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel; The Federmann Center for the Study of Rationality, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.

Psychoneuroendocrinology
|July 23, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Oxytocin (OT) influences male competitiveness by modulating testosterone (T) reactivity. In males, OT blocks the positive link between T levels and the desire to compete, unlike in placebo conditions.

Keywords:
CompetitivenessNeurohormonesOxytocinSex differencesTestosterone reactivity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Social Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Economics

Background:

  • Competitiveness is crucial in social interactions, yet biological underpinnings, particularly hormonal influences, are not fully understood.
  • Previous research on sex hormones and competition yielded inconsistent results, necessitating further investigation into other biological factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between intranasal oxytocin (OT) and endogenous testosterone (T) in regulating the willingness to compete.
  • To explore the sex-specific effects of oxytocin on the relationship between testosterone reactivity and competitive behavior.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 204 participants (102 females) who self-administered oxytocin or placebo.
  • Willingness to compete was assessed using a validated economic laboratory competition paradigm.
  • Salivary testosterone concentrations were measured throughout the task to assess endogenous reactivity.

Main Results:

  • In females, testosterone reactivity was not associated with competitiveness under either oxytocin or placebo conditions.
  • In males, a positive correlation between testosterone reactivity and competitiveness was observed under placebo but not under oxytocin.
  • The three-way interaction between oxytocin, testosterone reactivity, and sex on competitive preferences was significant, independent of mediators like self-confidence or risk aversion.

Conclusions:

  • Oxytocin modulates the relationship between testosterone reactivity and competitive motivation in males, suggesting a specific role in regulating competitive drive.
  • These findings highlight the complex interplay between neuropeptides and hormones in shaping human social behavior, specifically competitive preferences.