Oxytocin modulates cooperation within and competition between groups: an integrative review and research agenda

TitleOxytocin modulates cooperation within and competition between groups: an integrative review and research agenda
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsDe Dreu, C. K.
The author reviews evidence that hypothalamic release (or infusion) of the neuropeptide oxytocin modulates the regulation of cooperation and conflict among humans because of three reasons. First, oxytocin enables social categorization of others into in-group versus out-group. Second, oxytocin dampens amygdala activity and enables the development of trust. Third, and finally, oxytocin up-regulates neural circuitries (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus) involved in empathy and other-concern. Consistent with an evolutionary perspective on the functionality of cooperation, it is concluded that oxytocin-motivated cooperation is mostly parochial-it motivates (i) in-group favoritism, (ii) cooperation towards in-group but not out-group members, and (iii) defense-motivated non-cooperation towards threatening outsiders. Thus, in addition to its well-known role in reproduction and pair-bond formation, oxytocin's primary functions include in-group "tend-and-defend." This review concludes with avenues for new research on oxytocin's functions in within-group cooperation and between-group competition. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.
Title Oxytocin modulates cooperation within and competition between groups: an integrative review and research agenda
Publication Title Horm BehavHorm Behav
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2012
Authors C.K. De Dreu
Edition 2012/01/10
Accession Number 22227278
Number 3
ISBN Number 0018-506x
Grant List
-

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For breaking news and to stay connected, follow us on social media. Sign up to get our E-News delivered straight to your inbox.