Self-Reported Spirituality Correlates With Endogenous Oxytocin

Spirituality involves a feeling of profound personal connection to a sacred reality (e.g., God), and is often characterized by experiences of comfort and peace. The neuropeptide oxytocin appears to be a plausible biological mediator of such spiritual experiences, as oxytocin is closely linked with social affiliation, intimacy, and stress-attenuation. Here, we investigated the relationship between endogenously generated oxytocin and self-reported trait spirituality among a group of devout North American Christians. In line with emerging perspectives linking oxytocin with social affiliation, but not with positive asocial feelings in general, trait spirituality predicted higher levels of salivary oxytocin, and this association was not explained by covarying positive mood, optimism, romantic relationship status, or sex. The results are discussed as they motivate future directions in research on oxytocin and spirituality.