Vasopressin, but not oxytocin, increases empathic concern among individuals who received higher levels of paternal warmth: A randomized controlled trial.

TitleVasopressin, but not oxytocin, increases empathic concern among individuals who received higher levels of paternal warmth: A randomized controlled trial.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsTabak BA, Meyer ML, Castle E, Dutcher JM, Irwin MR, Han JH, Lieberman MD, Eisenberger NI
JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology
Volume51
Pagination253-61
Date Published2015 Jan
ISSN1873-3360
KeywordsAdolescent, Adult, Double-Blind Method, Empathy, Father-Child Relations, Female, Humans, Male, Oxytocin, Social Behavior, Vasopressins, Young Adult
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Empathy improves our ability to communicate in social interactions and motivates prosocial behavior. The neuropeptides arginine vasopressin and oxytocin play key roles in socioemotional processes such as pair bonding and parental care, which suggests that they may be involved in empathic processing.

METHODS: We investigated how vasopressin and oxytocin affect empathic responding in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, between-subjects study design. We also examined the moderating role of parental warmth, as reported in the early family environment, on empathic responding following vasopressin, oxytocin, or placebo administration.

RESULTS: Among participants who reported higher levels of paternal warmth (but not maternal warmth), vasopressin (vs. placebo and oxytocin) increased ratings of empathic concern after viewing distressing and uplifting videos. No main or interaction effects were found for individuals who received oxytocin.

CONCLUSIONS: Vasopressin has a role in enhancing empathy among individuals who received higher levels of paternal warmth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01680718.

DOI10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.006
Alternate JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology
PubMed ID25462898
PubMed Central IDPMC4268337
Grant ListT32 MH015750 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
T32MH015750 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States