THE GENETICS OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOURS

Abstract

We studied the neurobiological underpinnings of prosocial behaviours. We focused on the paramount social hormone oxytocin, essential for reproduction and regulation of social behaviours, and genes involved in synthesis (OXT), transmission (OXTR) and regulation (CD38 and CD157) of oxytocin. Study 1 laid the groundwork for establishing the importance of oxytocin in social cognition by looking at personality traits, empathy and spirituality measures. Study 2 found CD157 and CD38 predicted POIP levels and Autism Quotient, specifically the social subscales, as well as number of friends and appreciation of friendships, demonstrating ecological validity. In Study 3, using a Third Party (TP) Dictator Game with Bystander Effects, we found the same neurobiological influences translated to decisions involving monetary outcomes. We conclude that the underlying biological mechanism is not to increase prosociality per se but to increase the saliency and processing of the social cues and context instrumental for navigating complex social landscapes.