Many couples confess that sex provides relaxation and helps improve bonding between the partners. This is primarily because of release of a hormone called oxytocin during sex, which has now been linked to an increased spirituality and belief in God as well.
A new study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience claims that middle-aged men tend to have more religious beliefs and increases spirituality when they are exposed to oxytocin, which is also known as "birthing" hormone as it helps induce contractions during delivery.
During the study, a team of scientists from the Duke University in North Carolina elevated the levels of oxytocin in middle-aged men. A large percentage of such males self-reported increased spirituality in measures specified by the team. In addition, the researchers noted that the effect of the hormone remained significant even after a week.
The study also involved a control group that did not receive oxytocin. This group of subjects did not report higher levels of spirituality or an increased belief in God. On the other hand, the group of make subjects that received oxytocin reported feeling overly "positive" during meditation sessions.
While previous research has showed that meditation and spirituality have a positive impact on well-being and overall health of an individual, this is the first time that the researchers have tries to establish a connection between a biological factor and enhanced spirituality.
The oxytocin recipients were more likely to be upfront in confessing that their life has a meaning and that they were now more spiritually-inclined than ever before. Their answers remained unchanged and true even when they were asked whether they belong to an organized religious group or not, according to The Independent.
In addition, the makes who received oxytocin were reported to have a flow of positive emotions, including inspiration, gratitude, hope, serenity, love and awe. The team thus found the first evidence that oxytocin may play a role in supporting spirituality.
