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The Power of Oxytocin: Nature's Trust Hormone
Oxytocin is a hormone which is produced naturally in the human brain. Recent studies have begun to investigate Oxytocin's role in various behaviors, including social recognition, bonding, anxiety, trust, sexual arousal and maternal behaviors. Oxytocin greatly influences "prosocial approach behavior." In other words, Oxytocin actually increases a person's willingness to approach others and to trust them unquestionably. In fact, Oxytocin has often been referred to as the "trust hormone."
Experts maintain that Oxytocin boosts many of our social behaviors, encouraging people to overcome their natural wariness when faced with risky situations. Studies of social development conclude that people only decide to trust each other when forming a sexual or a business relationship. These are situations during which Oxytocin production is increased in the human brain.
On June 1, 2005, researchers from the University of Zurich announced an astonishing discovery: When people inhale Oxytocin, they react by becoming more trusting of other people. The Oxytocin can easily enter the brain when sniffed, boosting social interactions like trust. In the June 2005 issue of the scientific journal, Nature, the researchers reported:
"Oxytocin specifically affects an individual's willingness to accept social risks arising through interpersonal interactions...We find that intranasal administration of Oxytocin causes a substantial increase in trusting behaviour."
 
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