Association of a Common Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism with Self-Reported 'Empathic Concern' in a Large Population of Healthy Volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous research has linked genomic variations of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene with individual differences in empathy. The impact of these variations on specific cognitive and emotional aspects of empathy, however, remains to be clarified.

Methods

We analysed associations of a common OXTR polymorphism (rs53576) with trait empathy in a sample of 421 blood donors (231 M, 190 F; age 18-74) using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) as an established multidimensional self-report measure of empathy.

Results

Female sex was significantly associated with higher empathy scores in all IRI scales (p<0.001) with the exception of the cognitive perspective taking scale (p = 0.09). The overall trait empathy score was significantly associated with rs53576 (p = 0.

SUBMITTER: Huetter FK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4965009 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature