An association between belief in life after death and serum oxytocin in older people in rural Japan

Abstract

Our findings could be interpreted differently depending on whether the anxiogenic or anxiolytic function of the oxytocin system is considered. Greater endorsement of afterlife beliefs may reduce secure attachment. Alternatively, based on the literature suggesting that basal levels of oxytocin are lower in those with reduced relational distress or anxiety, afterlife beliefs may play a role in these reductions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.