Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven
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Leuven, Belgium
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Study on Oxytocin's Effects on Trust and Learning in Healthy Children Using Nasal Spray
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What is this trial about?
A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do
This clinical trial is focused on studying the effects of the hormone oxytocin on trust and learning in healthy children aged 9 to 13 years. Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, often associated with social bonding and trust. The study will use a nasal spray form of oxytocin, known as Syntocinon, to see how it influences trust and learning behaviors. Additionally, a simple saline solution, NaCl 0.9% nose drops, will be used as a comparison.
The purpose of the study is to explore how oxytocin affects trust learning and cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to new situations or changes. The study will involve activities that simulate real-life situations using virtual reality to observe how children learn to trust. Another task, called the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task, will be used to see if oxytocin affects basic learning processes. This task helps researchers understand how children adjust their behavior when the rules of a game change.
Throughout the study, researchers will compare the behaviors of children who receive oxytocin with those who receive the placebo. They will look at how oxytocin might change the way children learn and trust others. The study aims to provide insights into whether oxytocin can influence social learning and behavior in children. The trial is expected to continue until March 2026.
The research process
The trial runs in 6 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.
Who can join the trial?
4 criteria
- The child must be a healthy participant.
- The child must be between 9 and 13 years old.
- There must be voluntary written informed consent from the child or their legally authorized representative before any screening procedures. This means that the child or their guardian agrees to participate in the study after understanding what it involves.
- Both boys and girls can participate in the study.
Who cannot join the trial?
3 criteria
- Children who are not healthy cannot participate.
- Children who are not within the age range of 2 to 18 years old cannot participate.
- Children who are part of a vulnerable population cannot participate. A vulnerable population includes groups who may not be able to give informed consent or are at higher risk of harm.
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Investigated drugs
Oxytocin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and is often associated with social bonding and trust. In this clinical trial, oxytocin is being studied to see if it can influence how people learn to trust others. The researchers are interested in understanding whether oxytocin can make people more open to trusting others in a virtual reality setting. They are also looking at whether oxytocin affects other types of learning, not just social learning, by using a specific task designed to test cognitive flexibility. This task helps to see if oxytocin's effects go beyond just social interactions and influence general learning abilities.
What is already known about the treatment
Oxytocin – Oxytocin is administered as a nasal spray, allowing it to be absorbed through the nasal membranes directly into the bloodstream. Currently, oxytocin is being studied for its potential effects on social behaviors and trust learning, particularly in healthy children, as part of clinical trials. It is primarily known for its role in childbirth and lactation, but researchers are exploring its broader effects on social bonding and cognitive flexibility. At the molecular level, oxytocin works by binding to specific receptors in the brain, influencing social interactions and emotional responses. It is classified as a neuropeptide hormone, which means it acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body.
Investigated diseases
Healthy children – Healthy children are individuals in the developmental stage of life who do not exhibit any signs or symptoms of illness or disease. They typically experience normal growth and development, both physically and mentally. Their immune systems function effectively to protect against infections and diseases. Healthy children generally have regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and engage in physical activities appropriate for their age. They also demonstrate typical cognitive and emotional development, allowing them to learn and interact socially. Regular health check-ups help ensure they maintain their well-being.
Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification
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