It may no longer be a scientific mystery why some people
fall in love, while others live the life of a bachelor, or why some make
friends easily, while others struggle to fit in. According to a recent study,
the answer may lie in our genetic make-up. If other brain disorders and
chemical imbalances can be passed down genetically, maybe the trait of being
‘un-lucky in love’ can be inherited as well.
The new research shows that having low levels of oxytocin-linked
DNA can affect the quality of our relationships – socially and romantically.
Some people have high levels of the ‘love hormone’ and some
people do not. The OXT gene produces oxytocin, which can assist with several
social behavioral skills like picking up on emotional and social cues in the
face, and thinking of others. The gene
literally produces the oxytocin that sends these social cues to the brain.
Without it, the cues do not compute.
In a study at The University of Georgia, 120 people were
genetically tested for social skills, brain function and brain structure. This
early research trial showed that people with a lower level of OXT often
struggled to recognize emotions in the faces of others and tended to have more
anxiety about their social and love relationships in general. Low level OXT
participants also had less brain activity linked to social thinking, and less
gray matter in the region of the brain that processes facial expression and
social behavior. In other words, they did not experience ease and comfort when
it came to social life and relationships.
Conversely, people with a higher level of the ‘love hormone’
showed less relationship issues and social anxiety.
So is the success of our social life and romantic
relationships determined by a single gene? The data collection was too small
and the findings too early to make any concrete determinations, but researchers,
led by author Brian Haas, a professor of psychology, hope that this discovery
could lead to more effective treatment and medication for social disorders like
anxiety and depression. They may not be able to know how important of a role
OXT plays yet in social behavior and brain function, but it most definitely
plays a part.
Future studies will indicate if our ability to love is
‘written in the stars,’ or more literally in our genes, or if it is merely a
factor in how we process social cues and relationships.