Genetics and Empathy

My biggest fear is just that. I would never want to give people the idea that a complex, multifaceted concept like empathy can be reduced to genetics. We have been very cautious about what our research implies, but unfortunately, media reports can sometimes overstate claims.

Our findings suggest that a single genetic variation—of the oxytocin receptor—relates to empathy and stress reactivity, which makes a lot of sense given oxytocin’s potent influence on social behaviors and the calming of the stress response. But even those born without a tendency to be empathetic are capable of becoming extremely empathetic—just like those who have a genetic predisposition to develop depression can fight those inclinations, even when life brings some hard knocks.