Speaking of Psychology Molecules and morals: learning the link (SOP6)
Feb 3, 2014
Paul Zak, neuroscientist who studies oxytocin and moral behavior. He explains what oxytocin is and how it links to social connection. He describes experiments where oxytocin boosts trust and generosity. He covers everyday ways to raise oxytocin, how stress or psychopathy blunt its release, and even how social media can trigger it.
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Oxytocin Signals Safety And Promotes Prosocial Choice
- Oxytocin is a brain chemical that signals safety and promotes affiliation, driving people to care and act prosocially.
- Lab and field experiments show oxytocin release increases trust and generous choices in money-based tests.
Use Simple Connections To Boost Oxytocin
- Do reach out and connect physically or emotionally because hugging and other affiliative acts raise oxytocin and strengthen bonds.
- Paul Zak notes simple actions like hugging or shared rituals (weddings, dances) reliably boost oxytocin and reciprocity.
Wedding Blood Tests Revealed Bond Strength
- Zak collected blood after weddings and tribal dances and found predictable oxytocin patterns linked to relationship roles.
- At weddings the bride showed the largest oxytocin rise and her mother was typically second, reflecting bond strength.