Oxytocin and emotion recognition: Investigating the possible roles of facial synchrony and eye gaze

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been shown to influence social cognition, including better recognition of emotion in faces. One potential way which OT improves is by increasing the correspondence between a perceiver's own facial activity and observed expressions. Here we investigate whether increased synchrony while viewing expressions increases recognition, this effect moderated OT. Change visual attention as captured eye-gaze another might improve recognition. We also examine expressions, influenced hundred four male undergraduates took part double-blind, randomized, between-subjects study they self-administered either placebo (PL) or 24 IU before dynamic emotion, during their were measured, answering questions on affiliation. It was hypothesized that participants condition would exhibit more than those PL condition, time spent looking at eye region target Consistent with previous research, marginally but significantly condition. However, displayed less for fearful there no measures eye-gaze. These results suggest does not through changing attention.