By Danielle Cahill
Scientists will dose volunteers with a drug released in the brain during orgasm in a bid to find a cure for bad relationships, as part of a groundbreaking study at the University of New South Wales.
Researchers at the university will test the effect of the hormone oxytocin, which increases social skills and sexual pleasure, on couples with communication problems.
The naturally-occuring hormone will be given to participants as a nasal spray along with counselling sessions over a six-week period, clinical psychologist Adam Guastella said.
"We'll give feedback to couples on areas we think may be strengths and weaknesses," he said. Couples will then be given specific strategies to deal with the negative aspects of their relationship.
"We're targeting specific changeable behaviours. We're trying to be very specific so that couples have the most chance of success."
"For couples in the mild to moderate distress range, a five-week assessment and feedback program has been found to be just as effective as longer-term therapy."
Oxytocin is produced in the brain as a result of physical contact such as hugging, and is also released during orgasm. Studies on use of this "love potion" in animals and humans suggest it increases openness, decreases aggressive behaviour and can increase sexual pleasure.
Half of the experimental subjects will receive the spray and the other half will be given a placebo. Couples will then be assessed by psychologists to see what effect the hormone has had on their relationship.
Part of the study will involve assessing how couples complete problem-solving exercises together after receiving their nasal spray.
Researchers are looking for 50 volunteer couples who have been together for more than two years and have experienced a communication break down.
"It's for couples who feel the need to improve their relationship in some way," Dr Guastella said.
Couples looking to participate can register on the UNSW website.
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