Exploring brain mechanisms of social exclusion and separation

Common and Differentiated Representations Between Social Exclusion and Social Separation

Not applicable Interventional University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT05920707

This study is testing how the brain reacts to feelings of being excluded or separated from others and whether giving certain hormones can change those reactions in healthy people.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan)
Trial IDNCT05920707 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying social exclusion and social segregation using behavioral assessments and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It aims to clarify the differences in brain responses to these social interactions and examine how intranasal administration of oxytocin and arginine vasopressin may influence these responses. By comparing the effects of these hormones, the research seeks to provide insights into the cognitive and emotional processes involved in social interactions. The study will involve healthy participants who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals without any psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders or those on psychotherapeutic medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behaviors and inform therapeutic approaches for social interaction difficulties.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on social exclusion and segregation, this study's specific approach to examining the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on neural mechanisms is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy subjects;
2. Without any past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders;
3. Without any current psychotherapeutic medication.

EXclusion Criteria:

1. With any past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders;
2. With any current psychotherapeutic medication.

Where this trial is running

Chengdu, Sichuan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HealthySocial exclusionSocial separationOxytocinArginine VasopressinfMRI
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.