Oxytocin can make men more spiritual

Washington: ‘Love hormone' oxytocin, which promotes social bonding may also enhance spirituality in men, a new study has found.

The research, from Duke University in the US, found that participants reported a greater sense of spirituality shortly after taking oxytocin and a week later. They also experienced more positive emotions during meditation, said lead author Patty Van Cappellen, a social psychologist at Duke.

"Spirituality is complex and affected by many factors. However, oxytocin does seem to affect how we perceive the world and what we believe," Van Cappellen said. Study participants were all male and the findings apply only to men, researchers said.

Oxytocin operates somewhat differently in men and women, she said. Oxytocin is stimulated during sex and breastfeeding. Recent research has highlighted it's role in promoting empathy, trust and social bonding.