The neurobiology of trust
by
Zak PJ, Kurzban R, Matzner WT.
Claremont Graduate University,
Claremont, CA 91711-6165.
paul.zak@cgu.edu.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1032:224-7

ABSTRACT

This is the first report that endogenous oxytocin in humans is related to social behaviors, which is consistent with a large animal literature. Subjects are put into a social dilemma in which absent communication, cooperative behavior can benefit both parties randomly assigned to a dyad. The dilemma arises because one participant must make a monetary sacrifice to signal the degree of trust in the other before the other's behavioral response is known. We show that receipt of a signal of trust is associated with a higher level of peripheral oxytocin than that in subjects receiving a random monetary transfer of the same average amount. Oxytocin levels were also related to trustworthy behavior (sharing a greater proportion of the monetary gains). We conclude that oxytocin may be part of the human physiology that motivates cooperation.

Trust
Autism
Oxytocin
Cuddle hormone
The power of love
Oxytocin and voles
Oxytocin and drugs
Oxytocin and women
Oxytocin and estradiol
Oxytocin and addiction
The evolution of emotion
Oxytocin and social interaction
Oxytocin, addiction and the science of love

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