Gender friendship can help men reduce stress

Research by American scientists shows that male mice are less stressed when they are together and the same thing may be true for humans.

According to research published last week in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, sticking with people of the same sex may reduce stress in men. The closer men get together the higher the concentration of oxytocin , which is considered a "fun hormone", helps them to handle stress better.

Spending time with friends helps men relax.(Artwork: Popsugar).

However, the study results come from experiments on mice. The rat species is often used as an experiment to replace humans because of similarities in biological characteristics and genes. The researchers placed two male mice in the cage for a week and then divided them into small chambers for three hours. When we meet again, the mice are more friendly and happy than before.

"We do not understand the rat language, but we think that the mice wanted to tell their friends that some strange people locked them in the closet. They even interacted more," said Elizabeth Kirby, researcher. postdoctoral student at Stanford University, USA, research author, said.

The researchers measured the concentration of oxytocin in the rat's brain and found higher oxytocin in the rat group. The study did not test whether male mice were relieved when they were with the female mouse because they would mate with Kirby.

Kirby argues that the study sends a positive message to men who are suffering from excessive stress.Close friendships between men will increase the amount of oxytocin, protecting them from stress.