Oxytocin promotes altruism, social bonding and divinity in women, but especially in men. The researchers say that sex can inspire a belief in religion and God.
Oxytocin enhances spirituality: The biology of awe XwPJegPiRM
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A new study suggests that the “love hormone” oxytocin may increase people’s feelings of spirituality.
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The study took a close look at the hormone, which is also stimulated during childbirth and breastfeeding, and found that men reported a greater sense of spirituality after taking oxytocin. Those feelings continued a week later.
A control group received a placebo and after the study was finished, higher levels of spirituality was not reported. However, those who received oxytocin reported having more positive emotions during meditation, on top of having higher levels of spirituality.
Social psychologist and lead author, Patty Van Cappallen, said that meditation and spirituality has been linked to health and well-being in past research. Van Cappallen added that the hormone’s effects of women’s spirituality still needs to be investigated.
Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience is where the study was published.
