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Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is related to psychological resources.

Tue, 2011-10-04 11:49 -- John Hawks
TitleOxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is related to psychological resources.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsSaphire-Bernstein, S, Way, BM, Kim, HS, Sherman, DK, Taylor, SE
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume108
Issue37
Pagination15118-22
Date Published2011 Sep 13
ISSN1091-6490
Keywordsbehavior, brain, hormones, neurotransmitters, oxytocin, psychology
Abstract

Psychological resources-optimism, mastery, and self-esteem-buffer the deleterious effects of stress and are predictors of neurophysiological and psychological health-related outcomes. These resources have been shown to be highly heritable, yet the genetic basis for this heritability remains unknown. Here, we report a link between the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) SNP rs53576 and psychological resources, such that carriers of the "A" allele have lower levels of optimism, mastery, and self-esteem, relative to G/G homozygotes. OXTR was also associated with depressive symptomatology. Mediation analysis indicates that the effects of OXTR on depressive symptoms may be largely mediated by the influence of OXTR on psychological resources.
DOI10.1073/pnas.1113137108
Alternate JournalProc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
Citation KeySaphire-Bernstein:2011
PubMed ID21896752

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