The neuropeptide oxytocin regulates parochial altruism in intergroup conflict among humans

Science. 2010 Jun 11;328(5984):1408-11. doi: 10.1126/science.1189047.

Abstract

Humans regulate intergroup conflict through parochial altruism; they self-sacrifice to contribute to in-group welfare and to aggress against competing out-groups. Parochial altruism has distinct survival functions, and the brain may have evolved to sustain and promote in-group cohesion and effectiveness and to ward off threatening out-groups. Here, we have linked oxytocin, a neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus, to the regulation of intergroup conflict. In three experiments using double-blind placebo-controlled designs, male participants self-administered oxytocin or placebo and made decisions with financial consequences to themselves, their in-group, and a competing out-group. Results showed that oxytocin drives a "tend and defend" response in that it promoted in-group trust and cooperation, and defensive, but not offensive, aggression toward competing out-groups.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / drug effects*
  • Altruism*
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Decision Making
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Game Theory
  • Group Processes*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Oxytocin / administration & dosage
  • Oxytocin / pharmacology*
  • Trust
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oxytocin