Do you have the compassion gene? A stranger will know within 20 seconds

In a new study, a group of scientists including researchers from UC Berkeley, have found that people who tested high for empathy shared the same DNA linked to promoting social interaction and love.

The GG genotype is a receptor gene that picks up on oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle” or “love” hormone. In the study, two dozen couples were recorded while talking to each other about their life struggles. Afterwards, videos were edited in which these participants were listening to their partner talking. Then a group of observers watched these 20-second videos. The listeners who got the highest ratings for empathy, which is characterized by more nodding, eye contact, smiling and body language, possess a particular variation of the oxytocin receptor gene known as the GG genotype. While researchers warn that trustworthiness is not derived from just one gene, they do say identifying the receptor gene helps pave the way for gene therapy.

This video below shows a sequence of five of the participants listening to their romantic partners talk about times when they suffered. They are among two-dozen study participants who were rated on an empathy scale according to their facial expressions and body language.

Kogan A, Saslow LR, Impett EA, Oveis C, Keltner D, & Rodrigues Saturn S (2011). Thin-slicing study of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and the evaluation and expression of the prosocial disposition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America PMID: 22084107

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