scheele et al 2012

aim

aim

identify if oxytocin might promote fidelity

hypothesis

by selectively influencing men in a relationship to keep greater distance from women strangers, oxytocin may promote fidelity

method

sample of 86 heterosexual men some in monogamous relationships(self reported)& some single. double-blind, independent measures design: oxytocin vs. placebo intranasally given two independent tasks: stop distance paradigm & approach/avoidance task

results

oxytocin=59cm for single males & 71 cm pair-bonded makes

placebo=57cm for single males & 57 for pair-bonded males

(men in relationships taking oxytocin had longer reluctance to zoom in on woman

1st task results

monogamous men in relationships kept greater distance between themselves & an attractive woman "stay away from attractive women"

2nd task results

only group of pics affected by oxytocin & relationship status was the positive social group (attractive women)

participants who received oxytocin had slower reaction time (pulled joystick more reluctantly) in response to these pictures but only if they were in a relationship

conclusion

oxytocin selectively inhibits approach to certain stimuli-attractive women in men who are in a stable relationship but not in single men—this may play a role in maintaining stability of monogamous bonds

strengths

double-blind, good size sample group, independent measures support hypothesis

limitations

self selected, undefined monogamous relationships, cultural background (eastern=closer comfort levels)

ethics

consent, anonymity, aware of procedures