Prosocial effects of MDMA: A measure of generosity
Matthew G. Kirkpatrick, Andrew W. Delton, Theresa E. Robertson, Harriet de Wit
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 4, 2015 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115573806 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Within-subjects, placebo-controlled, dose-response experiment with an initial correlational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Healthy volunteers with prior MDMA experience |
| Intervention | MDMA |
| Dose | 0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Generosity Prosocial behavior Developmental psychology Personality Impulsivity |
| Citations | 86 |
| Key findings | MDMA (1.0 mg/kg) increased generosity toward a friend but not a stranger, while a lower dose (0.5 mg/kg) slightly increased generosity toward a stranger, especially among female participants. |
Abstract
Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces “prosocial” effects that contribute to its recreational use. Few studies have examined the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms by which MDMA produces these effects. Here we examined the effect of MDMA on a specific prosocial effect, i.e. generosity, using a task in which participants make decisions about whether they or another person will receive money (Welfare Trade-Off Task; WTT).
Methods: The project included one study without drug administration and one with MDMA. In Study 1, we administered the WTT to healthy adults ( N = 361) and examined their performance in relation to measures of personality and socioeconomic status. In Study 2, healthy volunteers with MDMA experience ( N = 32) completed the WTT after MDMA administration (0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg).
Results: As expected, in both studies participants were more generous with a close friend than an acquaintance or stranger. In Study 1, WTT generosity was related to household income and trait Agreeableness. In Study 2, MDMA (1.0 mg/kg) increased generosity toward a friend but not a stranger, whereas MDMA (0.5 mg/kg) slightly increased generosity toward a stranger, especially among female participants.
Conclusions: These data indicate that the WTT is a valuable, novel tool to assess a component of prosocial behavior, i.e. generosity to others. The findings support growing evidence that MDMA produces prosocial effects, but, as with oxytocin, these appear to depend on the social proximity of the relationships. The brain mechanisms underlying the construct of generosity, or the effects of MDMA on this measure, remain to be determined.