Neuroendocrine and psychophysiological investigation of the evolutionary roots of gossip.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates an evolutionary hypothesis of gossip postulating that in humans it serves a similar function as social grooming in other primates. It examines whether gossip decreases physiological markers of stress and increases markers of positive emotionality and sociability. Dyads of friends (N = 66) recruited at the university, participated in an experiment where they experienced a stressor followed by social interaction (gossip or control task). Individual levels of salivary cortisol and [Formula: see text]-endorphins were assessed at before and after social interactions. Sympathetic activity and parasympathetic activity were monitored throughout the experiment. Individual differences in Tendency and Attitude towards Gossip were investigated as potential covariates. Gossip co

SUBMITTER: Rudnicki K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9946955 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature