Competitiveness and individual characteristics: a double-blind placebo-controlled study using oxytocin.

Kurokawa H, Kinari Y, Okudaira H, Tsubouchi K, Sai Y, Kikuchi M, Higashida H, Ohtake F

Scientific reports13 Jul 2020Cited by 1 (Europe PMC)

PMID32661293PMCIDPMC7359354DOI10.1038/s41598-020-68445-wPepBankPUB-32661293

Summary

Oxytocin-enhanced prosocial behaviour depends on individual characteristics. This study investigated the relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness, which is another important social trait and predicts economic and social outcomes. In this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study of 192 male participants, we examined whether oxytocin moderates competitiveness and whether the effect of oxytocin on competitiveness is amplified in individuals with autistic traits. While our results show no relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness, we observed suggestive patterns: albeit not significantly, oxytocin reduced and enhanced competitiveness among participants without autistic traits and among their counterparts with autistic traits, respectively.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study2

2 results from studies that gave the peptide. 2 results from people.

01HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In 192 men, oxytocin showed no relationship with competitiveness versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn men, oxytocin did not change competitiveness compared with placebo.
Peptide
Oxytocin
Outcome
No significant changeCompetitiveness
Study
n = 192
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Social behavior and cognition · Mental health and mood
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
While our results show no relationship between oxytocin and competitiveness
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study of 192 male participants, we examined whether oxytocin moderates competitiveness and whether the effect of oxytocin on competitiveness is amplified in individuals with autistic traits.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3266129301
02HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In men, oxytocin non-significantly reduced competitiveness in those without autistic traits and non-significantly enhanced it in those with autistic traits, versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn men, oxytocin showed no significant effect on competitiveness, with or without autistic traits, compared with placebo.
Peptide
Oxytocin
Outcome
No significant changeCompetitiveness by autistic traits (moderation)
Study
n = 192
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Social behavior and cognition · Mental health and mood
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
we observed suggestive patterns: albeit not significantly, oxytocin reduced and enhanced competitiveness among participants without autistic traits and among their counterparts with autistic traits, respectively.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study of 192 male participants, we examined whether oxytocin moderates competitiveness and whether the effect of oxytocin on competitiveness is amplified in individuals with autistic traits.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3266129302

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Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
11 Oct 2026, 01:30 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 02:48 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

MeSH terms

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