Oxytocin, or the ‘cuddle hormone’ as it is colloquially known, is linked to emotional bonding in childbirth and breastfeeding. Research into its uses reveal that the hormone could increase people’s trust in others following social rejection.
The study involved 100 students who were given either oxytocin or a placebo via a nasal spray. They were then involved in a staged conversation where researchers interrupted, ignored and disagreed with them.
The students were then asked to fill out mood and personality questionnaires, which revealed that those who felt particularly affected by the conversation had a greater feeling of trust in people if they had inhaled the oxytocin beforehand.
The research also showed that the hormone had no effect on those who were not emotionally affected by the rejection. Dr...