A New Way To Help Build Trust

The Effects of An Oxytocin Nasal

Spray In Helping To Build Trust

By George Shears

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Summary: Scientists have shown recently that a nasal spray containing oxytocin markedly increases trust. Such a spray is now available as a pheromones cologne called "Liquid Trust Spray."

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Much research has shown that a key hormone, oxytocin, helps in regulating a number of physiological and emotional processes in humans. These include the induction of labor, mother-infant bonding, and the mediation of a sense of well-being in personal relationships.

Also, since oxytocin is released in both men and women during sexual orgasm, it is believed to be important in contributing to romantic bonding as well.

Oxytocin is also released naturally in response to skin-to-skin contact, nipple stimulation during lactation in women, and in response to cervical or uterine stimularion during sex.

Research has also shown that levels of oxytocin increase more in response to positive emotions in women involved in committed relationships than in single women.

One of the most robust effects of this hormone, however, has recently been discovered by a group of Swiss scientists in a laboratory-controlled study on 58 human subjects who participated in a "trust test."

In this experiment, they played a game wherein they were divided into "investors" and "trustees." The degree of trust of the "investors" was determined by how willing they were to give credits (worth money) to the "trustees."

These subjects were given either a nasal spray containing oxytocin or an inert placebo version. 45% of the "investors" receiving the oxytocin spray showed "maximal trust," as compared to only 21% of those given the dummy spray.

There was no significant effect of the spray, however, for the "trustees." Moreover, the oxytocin effect was no longer shown for the "investors" when the "trustees" were replaced by a computer.

The researchers concluded that oxytocin tends to reduce the fear of being betrayed in personal relationships and that it could be potentially helpful to people with social phobias or other persistent fears in social situations.

Not surprisingly, a pheromones cologne containing oxytocin is now available in a product called "Liquid Trust Spray." Further information about it can be obtained by clicking on the banner ad on the right side of this page.