Oxytocin and enhancement of the positive valence of social affiliation memories: An autobiographical memory study

Abstract

Intranasal oxytocin has been shown to alter self-perceptions of personality (e.g., more trusting, increased extraversion). To follow up these findings, we examined the acute effects of two doses of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU and 48 IU) on another form of self-referential cognition: autobiographical memory. Changes in autobiographical memory (personal memories for the past) could conceivably effect change in self-perception and consequently alter social behaviors. We predicted that oxytocin would increase the number of specific personal memories recalled, and promote the recall of positive social affiliation memories. Seventeen male participants self-administered a placebo or oxytocin (24 IU, 48 IU) using a nasal spray on three separate occasions in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, and within-subject experiment. Participants completed the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) 110 minutes later. Analyses revealed a quadratic dose–response curve for the effects of intranasal oxytocin on autobiographical memory recall. The 24 IU dose, relative to the 48 IU dose and placebo, increased the number of specific personal memories recalled and promoted the recall of social affiliation memories that were rated more positively. The lack of effect with the 48 IU dose could be due to saturation of the oxytocin receptors at higher doses. Changes in autobiographical memory may be one mechanism by which oxytocin alters prosocial worldviews.

Keywords:

• Intranasal oxytocin
• Dose–response
• Autobiographical memory
• Social affiliation
• Positive
• Overgeneral

This research was supported by grants to Dr. Ellenbogen from the Canada Research Chair program (supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Christopher Cardoso is supported by a scholarship from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS). Mark Anthony Orlando is supported by a scholarship from SSHRC. We would also like to thank Simon Bacon in the Exercise Science department at Concordia University for generously allowing us to use his facilities for the current project.