Oxytocin moderates the association between testosterone-cortisol ratio and trustworthiness: A randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Social Neuroscience
• Behavioral Economics

Background:

• Oxytocin is theorized to enhance trust, but replication issues persist.
• Hormonal and environmental factors may modulate oxytocin's effects on trust.
• The testosterone-cortisol ratio is linked to risk-taking and aggression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate oxytocin's moderating role in the relationship between the testosterone-cortisol ratio and trustworthiness.
• To control for general trust levels in healthy males.
• To examine how oxytocin influences behavior in a trust game scenario.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
• Intranasal administration of 32IU oxytocin or placebo in 53 healthy males.
• Participants engaged in the Trust Game, acting as trustees.

Main Results:

• A positive association was found between the testosterone-cortisol ratio and returned investment in the Trust Game (P<0.01).
• Oxytocin administration decreased reciprocity in individuals with high testosterone-cortisol ratios after trust violation (P=0.015).
• Oxytocin appears to diminish risk-taking behavior and hinder trust restoration in specific hormonal contexts.

Conclusions:

• Oxytocin may impair the restoration of trustworthiness after violations, especially in males with high testosterone-cortisol ratios.
• Findings suggest oxytocin can diminish risk-taking behavior under conditions of violated trust.
• The study highlights the complex interplay between hormones and social behavior, challenging simplistic views of oxytocin's pro-social effects.