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Abstract
We normally react to individuals who exclude us socially by either avoiding them or increasing our attempts to interact with them. The neuropeptide oxytocin can promote social bonds and reduce social conflict and we therefore investigated whether it facilitates more positive social responses towards individuals who exclude or include us. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-subject design 77 healthy Chinese male and female participants received intranasal oxytocin (40 IU) or placebo before playing a modified virtual ball-tossing game with three fictitious partners who either showed exclusion, inclusion or neutral behavioral interactions with them. Results showed that both male and female subjects threw the ball more often to individuals who excluded rather than included them, although oxytocin did not alter this or awareness/feelings of exclusion or inclusion. However, when subjects returned a week later males, but not females, in the oxytocin group exhibited an increased liking for, and preference for playing again with, players who had previously excluded them. This oxytocin effect was positively associated with independent traits. Our findings suggest that in a collectivist culture oxytocin may promote the desire of males, but not females, with a stronger independent orientation to rebuild social connections with individuals who have previously excluded them.
Highlights
Exclusion compared to more independently oriented cultures[27]
Two studies have shown that plasma OXT concentrations rise significantly in healthy controls, but not in Borderline Personality disorder or depression patients, after the experience of being excluded in this game[32,33] and another found an association between the rs53576 (G-carriers) polymorphism of the OXT receptor gene and emotional responses to exclusion in the game[30]
Independent t-tests on scores showed that there were no significant differences between participants in the two treatment groups for any of the different behavior trait, social experience and mood questionnaires completed immediately prior to the experiment
Summary
Exclusion compared to more independently oriented cultures[27]. whereas the rs53576 OXT receptor polymorphism is associated with emotional support seeking in Americans, it is not in Koreans[28]. A number of previous studies have investigated associations between OXT and social rejection using the Cyberball game paradigm. In this paradigm subjects play a ball tossing game with players via the internet who either exclude or include them during the game and, unbeknownst to them, are computer controlled[31]. In the current study we included three playing partners in the game who either excluded or included or were neutral towards subjects in terms of the frequency of their ball throws to them In this way we could evaluate the possible differential impact of OXT on responses to individuals who socially excluded or included subjects during the same game. If on the other hand OXT is acting to promote greater tolerance or avoidance of players who exclude them, and focus more on those who included them, it should make includers more memorable, likeable and preferable to play again with than excluders
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