by Staff writer
A 2016 research looked into how sex connects to one’s spirituality and religious faith.
The research authors claimed that having more sex inspires spirituality and is capable of making men believe more in God.
According to the research, sex releases a ‘love hormone’ called oxytocin which not only promotes social bonding, altruism but also divinity – especially in men.
Researchers at Duke University, in North Carolina, say that sex could inspire a belief – or an increased belief – in God and religion.
The study published in 2016 looked into how oxytocin (which can also come in medication form) influences one’s spirituality.
In the study, men reported a greater sense of spirituality shortly after taking oxytocin and their feelings continued a week later.
According to a news website for the University, Duke Today, lead author Patty Van Cappellen, a social psychologist at the American University, said: ‘Spirituality and meditation have each been linked to health and well-being in previous research.
‘We were interested in understanding biological factors that may enhance those spiritual experiences. Oxytocin appears to be part of the way our bodies support spiritual beliefs.’
To test the chemical reaction, some of the men were given the hormone whilst others took a placebo.
The men who got a dose of the ‘love hormone’ were more likely to say that spirituality was an important part of their lives.
It is found that the hormone oxytocin sparked more positive emotions in men which led to a greater faith in God.
The study did not investigate the affects of oxytocin on women.
