Oxytocin facilitates physiological synchronization with music – a pilot study

Abstract

In a pilot study we tested whether spontaneously high baseline oxytocin enhances neurophysiological synchronization with music. 20 subjects listened to two different music modes –  “Motivational” (with contrasts depressing and enthusiastic) and “Soothing” (with contrasts stressful and relaxing) music, respectively. The music was presented in earphones separately to each listener who was randomly assigned to group A and B. The two blocks were preceded and succeeded by quiet ten-minute rest periods. Russel´s two-component model was used for psychological self-ratings. On the basis of 16 plasma samples drawn at regular intervals, a mean plasma oxytocin level was calculated for each individual. Two equal-sized groups of subjects with the highest and lowest oxytocin means were defined as “high” and “low” oxytocin groups. Neurophysiological states were assessed continuously during listening.

High oxytocin levels were associated with significant wide swings in heart rate and skin conductance as well as respiratory rate and heart rate variability during listening to the “motivational” music series - paralleled by expected subjective ratings. Subjects with low oxytocin levels, on the other hand, had non-significant changes subjectively and physiologically. During the “soothing” music series, no differences between the oxytocin groups were found.