OXYTOCIN KINDNESS

 

The Neurotransmitter oxytocin has long been touted as “the love hormone” because it is released during hugging, sexual activity, childbirth, and breast feeding. But a new study takes it a step further, and actually links oxytocin to overall life satisfaction.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, “People whose brains release more of the neurochemical oxytocin are kinder to others and are more satisfied with their lives. This is the finding of new research, published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, that also discovered that oxytocin release increases with age, showing why, on average, people are more caring as they get older. ‘The findings of our study are consistent with many religions and philosophies, where satisfaction with one's life is enhanced by helping others,’ reported first author Dr Paul J Zak of Claremont Graduate University. ‘Participants in our study who released the most oxytocin were more generous to charity when given the opportunity and performed many other helping behaviors. The change in oxytocin was also positively related to participants' empathy, religious participation, and gratitude.’” Another recent study on oxytocin revealed that when lions are exposed to the hormone over a period of time, they become friendlier and less prone to roaring. Science X reports, “Scientists who spent years spraying oxytocin up the noses of lions found the big cats became much friendlier with their neighbors and less prone to roaring at strangers when dosed up on the so-called "love hormone." The results, published in the journal iScience on Wednesday, could have major benefits for conservation efforts as unfamiliar prides are increasingly forced by urban sprawl to live together in reservations.” ######################