Competitiveness and individual characteristics: a double-blind placebo-controlled study using oxytocin

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 13;10(1):11526. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-68445-w.

Abstract

Oxytocin-enhanced prosocial behaviour depends on individual characteristics. This study investigated the relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness, which is another important social trait and predicts economic and social outcomes. In this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study of 192 male participants, we examined whether oxytocin moderates competitiveness and whether the effect of oxytocin on competitiveness is amplified in individuals with autistic traits. While our results show no relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness, we observed suggestive patterns: albeit not significantly, oxytocin reduced and enhanced competitiveness among participants without autistic traits and among their counterparts with autistic traits, respectively.

Publication types

  • Pragmatic Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Competitive Behavior / drug effects*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxytocin / administration & dosage
  • Oxytocin / metabolism*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oxytocin