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Scientists have found that bromances such as that of Chandler and Joey’s of Friends may actually boost men’s health.
According to a study carried out by scientists at Stanford University, male friendships increase the level of oxytocin in the brain. This hormone helps them cope with stress and live longer and healthier lives.
The study led by Dr. Elizabeth Kirby revealed that male friendship affects one’s health like romantic relationships do. Social interactions, which help people socialize and bond more, increase the amount of oxytocin. The increase in the hormone boost people’s resilience when they are stressed, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives.
In the study, male rats housed in the same cage were observed. The scientists found that male rats become more social and cooperative when exposed to mild stress compared when they were in a stress-free environment. After experiencing mild stress, the rats experienced increased levels of oxytocin as they touched and huddled more.
Dr. Kirby explained, “Having friends is not un-masculine. These rats are using their rat friendships to recover from what would otherwise be a negative experience.”
She added, “If rats can do it, men can do it. And they definitely are, they just don’t get as much credit in the research for that.”
Interestingly, humans also tend to come together after non-life threatening events.
However, it was also found that male rat cage mates become antisocial and withdrawn after experiencing severe, potentially life-threatening stress. Rats became more aggressive and often sat alone in the corner after experiencing such situations.
