An animal study by researchers from University of California, Berkeley showed deep friendships between men – or ‘bromances’ – can help relieve stress and have other health benefits.
The study led by Elizabeth Kirby, which was recently published in scientific journal Neuropsychopharmacology, looked at a cage full of male rats to see bromances in action.
They found that the male rats became more sociable and worked as a team in times of stress, and at the same time they observed increases in the rats’ oxytocin (OXT) levels.
Oxytocin, also widely referred to as ‘the love hormone’, is a powerful hormone that can surge when we hug or kiss a loved one.
When the body’s oxytocin levels increase, the release of large amounts of other hormones will follow, which can help people overcome social anxiety, enhance self-confidence and better cope with stress.
The study has become a hit on Sina Weibo, China’s Twitter-like platform, with many interesting comments by Chinese netizens.
“So does it mean hanging out with my buddy is the same feeling as dating with my honey?”@woshipianpiandeshiqisuishaonian.
“It’s great! Men can huddle together under the same roof rather than worrying about getting a wife”@yuyi22.
“Yes, I’d prefer going for a beer with my friends than shopping with my girlfriend”@cengyousuomeng.
