Oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone,” helps to regulate social and sexual interactions. Best known for its role in romantic and mother-infant bonding, scientists are now showing that it could also influence whether we cooperate with others in a team setting.
Researchers Jennifer McClung, Zegni Triki, and colleagues, from the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland, have wondered about our unique ability to cooperate with other individuals, as well as to withdraw cooperation.
But how, and why, do we sometimes choose to be team players, whereas at other times we prefer to take our chances and go solo?