Serotonin transporter genotype (5-HTTLPR) predicts utilitarian moral judgments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The psychological and neurobiological processes underlying moral judgment have been the focus of extensive recent research. Here we show that serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype predicts responses to moral dilemmas featuring foreseen harm to an innocent.

Methodology/principal findings

Participants in this study judged the acceptability of actions that would unintentionally or intentionally harm an innocent victim in order to save others' lives. An analysis of variance revealed a genotype × scenario interaction, F(2, 63) = 4.52, p = .02. Results showed that, relative to long allele homozygotes (LL), carriers of the short (S) allele showed particular reluctance to endorse utilitarian actions resulting in foreseen harm to an innocent individual. LL genotype par

SUBMITTER: Marsh AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3187753 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature