The role of oxytocin in enhancing group-based guilt and promoting intergroup reconciliation in a collectivist context

Abstract

Group-based guilt, arising from the awareness of harmful or immoral actions committed by fellow group members, is a powerful negative emotion. It motivates various forms of reparative behavior which mitigates the intergroup conflicts. However, the widespread expression of group-based guilt remains relatively infrequent. Therefore, how to enhance the utility of group-based guilt remains a paramount issue in the field of intergroup conflict. Oxytocin is widely recognized for its pivotal role in positively influencing social cognition and behavior. Consequently, our research aimed to investigate the potential modulation of oxytocin on group-based guilt by examining whether oxytocin enhances group-based responsibility, guilt and compensation within a collectivist cultural context. To achieve this, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design: 2 (Treatment: Placebo vs. Oxytocin) × 2 (Group membership: In-group vs. Out-group). The results showed that the administration of oxytocin could enhance group-based responsibility, guilt, and compensation. In conclusion, the study of oxytocin and group-based guilt highlights the potential role of biological processes in shaping social emotions and cognition, then enhancing altruistic behavior toward the victimized group and moderating intergroup relations.