title: Oxytocin infusion increases charitable donations regardless of monetary resources.
abstract: This study examined if the prosocial effects of oxytocin (OT) extend from individuals to a generalized other who is in need. Participants played a series of economic games to earn money and were presented with an opportunity to donate a portion of their earnings to charity. OT did not significantly increase the decision to donate, but among the 36% of participants who did donate, people infused with OT were found to donate 48% more to charity than those given a placebo. The amount of money earned in the experiment had no effect on whether or not a donation was made or the size of a donation. This is the first study showing that OT increases generosity in unilateral exchanges directed toward philanthropic social institutions, as opposed to immediate benefits directed at individuals or groups.
authors: Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, USA.
authors: Jorge A
authors: JA
authors: Barraza
authors: Michael E
authors: ME
authors: McCullough
authors: Sheila
authors: S
authors: Ahmadi
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Zak