Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a social butterfly? According to a new study published in the journal Psychopharmacology, a nasal spray could all it takes for you to actually experience what extroverts do on a daily basis.
Researchers believe that a nasal spray of oxytocin—a hormone normally released after childbirth and during social bonding sessions—is enough to change your perspective of yourself. If you once thought that you couldn’t possibly talk to the person you like, then one whiff of oxytocin might give you the courage to make the first move. "Under the effects of oxytocin, a person can perceive themselves as more extraverted, more open to new ideas and more trusting," said senior author Mark Ellenbogen, Canada Research Chair in Developmental Psychopathology at Concordia University and a member of the Centre for Research in Human Development.
To test the theory, around 100 participants between the ages 18 and 35 were asked to inhale oxytocin from a nasal spray. These volunteers were all screened beforehand. No one taking medication, doing recreational drugs, or smoking was accepted.
After 90 minutes, they were then asked to answer questions that measured their levels of neuroticism, extraversion, openness to new experiences, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Upon review of the results, the researchers discovered that those who inhaled the oxytocin scored higher on extraversion and openness compared to those who were only given a placebo.
Despite the possibility of a personality makeover, the oxytocin experiment wasn't designed to completely change a person. According to first author Christopher Cardoso, a graduate student in the Concordia Department of Psychology and a member of the Centre for Research in Human Development, the oxytocin only "amplified personality traits such as warmth, trust, altruism, and openness" already existing in a person.
Not extroverted by nature, but want to come out of your shell a bit more? Check out these articles on building your confidence:
- 5 Ways to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem
- All About You: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
- 10 Ways to Love Your Body
- 10 Tips on Learning to Live with and Love Yourself from Iza Calzado
- 5 Tips for Confident Public Speaking
(Photo by idapt via Flickr Creative Commons)
