The Influence of Oxytocin on Automatic Imitation Behaviour in Healthy Adults

In this study, the influence of oxytocin on automatic imitation behaviour is investigated. Healthy adults will be administered with either oxytocin or a placebo, and will perform an imitation-inhibition task (as a measure of automatic imitation behaviour). To determine the specificity of the oxytocin effect, an unrelated cognitive task (Stroop task) will also be presented.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Behavior

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 3

Primary location

Ghent University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences

Ghent, 9000, Belgium

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Male
non-smoker

Exclusion criteria

no pacemaker, deep brain stimulation electrodes or other stimulation devices
normal neurological history (no brain operations, migraine, epilepsy, alcoholism
no epilepsy in family
no chronic disease(s) that require constant medication (asthma, hypertension, diabetes)
no medication 24h prior to experiment
no alcohol or caffeine 2h prior to experiment
no sleep deprivation 24h prior to experiment

Treatment and study plan

Oxytocin

Drug

Sea water

Drug

Primary outcomes

To evaluate the automatic imitation behaviour 45 minutes after drug administration

Time frame: 120 minutes

Since the effects of oxytocin are only visible after 45 minutes, participants will have to wait 45 minutes before starting the experimental tasks. In the meantime, they will be given an unrelated cognitive-emotional filler task which will last ± 30 minutes. Afterwards, they will perform two experimental tasks: an imitation-inhibition task and a cognitive control task (Stroop task).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University Ghent

Other

Collaborators

Research Foundation Flanders

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2012
Primary completion: 2012
Study completion: 2012
First posted: Jan 11, 2013
Registry last updated: Jan 17, 2013

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed