Table 1.
Descriptive (mean ± s.e.m.) and inferential statistics for the control measures of the oxytocin experiment
| Measurement/group | Placebo | Oxytocin | t-statistics (df = 52); CIa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 23.8 ± 1.8 | 24.2 ± 1.5 | t = 1.38, P = 0.174; CI: −0.3 to 1.6 |
| Dispositional empathy (IRI) | |||
| Perspective taking | 25.3 ± 0.9 | 24.4 ± 1.0 | t = −0.65, P = 0.520; CI: −3.8 to 1.9 |
| Fantasy | 26.2 ± 1.0 | 25.3 ± 0.9 | t = −0.66, P = 0.514; CI: −3.8 to 1.9 |
| Emphatic concern | 26.2 ± 0.9 | 27.1 ± 0.9 | t = 0.45, P = 0.448; CI: −1.5 to 3.4 |
| Personal distress | 17.5 ± 1.0 | 17.6 ± 0.9 | t = 0.06, P = 0.956; CI: −2.6 to 2.7 |
| Altruism (RAS) | 62.0 ± 2.5 | 60.6 ± 2.4 | t = −0.40, P = 0.694; CI: −8.3 to 5.6 |
| Attachment styles (RSQ) | |||
| Secure | 3.3 ± 0.1 | 3.5 ± 0.1 | t = 0.46, P = 0.462; CI: −0.2 to 0.5 |
| Fearful | 2.5 ± 0.2 | 2.8 ± 0.2 | t = 1.88, P = 0.066; CI: −0.1 to 0.9 |
| Preoccupied | 2.9 ± 0.1 | 2.8 ± 0.2 | t = −0.54, P = 0.592; CI: −0.5 to 0.3 |
| Dismissing | 3.3 ± 0.1 | 3.4 ± 0.1 | t = 1.01, P = 0.316; CI: −0.2 to 0.5 |
| Personality styles (NEO-FFI) | |||
| Neuroticism | 1.6 ± 0.1 | 1.6 ± 0.1 | t = −0.04, P = 0.972; CI: −0.4 to 0.3 |
| Extraversion | 2.5 ± 0.1 | 2.6 ± 0.1 | t = 0.60, P = 0.547; CI: −0.2 to 0.4 |
| Openness | 2.4 ± 0.1 | 2.3 ± 0.1 | t = −0.94, P = 0.349; CI: −0.4 to 0.2 |
| Agreeableness | 2.4 ± 0.1 | 2.3 ± 0.1 | t = −0.52, P = 0.609; CI: −0.3 to 0.2 |
| Conscientiousness | 2.5 ± 0.1 | 2.6 ± 0.1 | t = 0.95, P = 0.347; CI: −0.2 to 0.6 |
| Trait anxiety (STAI) | 2.3 ± 0.1 | 2.2 ± 0.1 | t = 0.64, P = 0.529; CI: −0.1 to 0.2 |
| State anxiety (STAI) | |||
| Time 1 | 2.4 ± 0.1 | 2.4 ± 0.1 | t = 0.92, P = 0.365; CI: −0.1 to 0.2 |
| Time 2 | 2.3 ± 0.1 | 2.3 ± 0.1 | t = 0.14, P = 0.886; CI: −0.1 to 0.1 |
| Time 3 | 2.3 ± 0.1 | 2.3 ± 0.1 | t = 0.31, P = 0.756; CI: −0.1 to 0.2 |
| Positive and negative affect (PANAS) | |||
| Time 1 | 2.7 ± 0.1 | 2.7 ± 0.1 | t = 0.95, P = 0.347; CI: −0.1 to 0.3 |
| Time 2 | 2.5 ± 0.1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 | t = 0.90, P = 0.372; CI: −0.1 to 0.3 |
| Time 3 | 2.5 ± 0.1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 | t = 0.18, P = 0.861; CI: −0.2 to 0.3 |
a95% Confidence interval of the difference.
IRI = Interpersonal Reactivity Index; RAS = Rushton Altruism Scale; RSQ = Relationship Scale Questionnaire; NEO-FFI = NEO Five-Factor Inventory; STAI = State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; PANAS = Positive and Negative Affect Scale; Time 1 = before drug administration; Time 2 = 45 min after drug administration; Time 3 = after experiment.