Associations between spouses' oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism, attachment security, and marital satisfaction

PloS One
Joan K MoninAndrew DeWan

Abstract

OXTR rs53576, a polymorphism on the oxytocin receptor gene, has previously been linked to individual differences in social behaviors. That is, individuals with the GG genotype show greater empathy, sociability, and emotional stability. In the context of close relationships, such psychological resources are associated with better relationship outcomes. However, no studies to our knowledge have examined associations between spouses' OXTR polymorphisms, attachment security, and marital satisfaction. In the current study, 178 married couples (N = 356; ages 37-90) completed self-report measures of attachment security and marital satisfaction and provided saliva samples for genotyping. Results from Actor Partner Interdependence Models showed that individuals who had the GG genotype (actor effect) or had a spouse with the GG genotype (partner effect) reported greater marital satisfaction than individuals with AA or AG genotypes. Furthermore, greater attachment security mediated associations between GG genotype and marital satisfaction.

References

Mar 1, 1987·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology·C Hazan, P Shaver
Feb 14, 2006·IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control·Thomas B PollardMauricio Pereira da Cunha
Mar 28, 2008·Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine·Youngmee KimTenbroeck G Smith
Aug 9, 2008·Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin·Omri GillathDavid S Chun
Nov 19, 2008·Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marinus H van Ijzendoorn
Jun 12, 2009·Psychoneuroendocrinology·Barbara CostaClaudia Martini
Nov 26, 2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Sarina M RodriguesDacher Keltner
Jul 22, 2010·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Heike TostAndreas Meyer-Lindenberg
Sep 1, 2009·Personal Relationships·Gilad HirschbergerPhilip A Cowan
Nov 16, 2011·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Aleksandr KoganSarina Rodrigues Saturn
Nov 30, 2011·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Frances S ChenMarkus Heinrichs
Feb 22, 2012·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Frank KruegerRobert H Lipsky
Jun 5, 2013·Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines·K Lee RabyW Andrew Collins
Jul 1, 2015·Biological Psychiatry·René Hurlemann, Dirk Scheele
Sep 1, 2014·GeroPsych·Joan K MoninTrace Kershaw
Feb 22, 2017·Current Opinion in Psychology·Mark A Whisman, Susan C South
Aug 17, 2017·Current Opinion in Psychology·Mark A Whisman, Susan C South

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
genotyping
saliva collection
PCR

Software Mentioned

Mplus
MAT
CFX Manager
SPSS

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.