Oxytocin rises particularly sharply in rivalry and group competitions – especially in men
The so-called cuddle hormone oxytocin is not only released during closeness and bonding, but also during competitions and rivalry. This is the result of a new study by the University of Zurich led by Charlotte Debras and Adrian Jaeggi from the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine.
The researchers investigated oxytocin levels in the indigenous population of the Tsimane in the Bolivian Amazon during organized soccer tournaments. The hormone level in the urine was measured before and after the games. The strongest increase was seen in encounters against well-known rivals. The increase was smaller in matches between different communities, but significantly higher in games against non-Tsimane.
A central finding of the study: The oxytocin increase was observed exclusively in men, it did not occur in women. The scientists attribute this to evolutionary differences, among other things. Men are more involved in physical group competitions, while competition for women tends to take place in the social sphere.
The results suggest that oxytocin plays an important role in strengthening cohesion within one’s own group and in differentiating oneself from others. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B .
Original paper:
OSF | Us against Them: Oxytocin Response to Competition in a Small-Scale Human Society
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability ected.
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