Loading ...
The “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” advice is so trite that we’re tempted to scream whenever we hear it mentioned. However, we will admit (yes, even snarky, jaded bloggers like ourselves) that empathy is a valuable character trait (and not just if you’re minoring in global poverty).
So you wanna know something weird? Some people may actually be more empathetic based on their genes. Researchers at Berkeley recently discovered that certain people with “a particular variation of the oxytocin receptor gene” nicknamed the “G allele” were more empathetic and also less vulnerable to stress. In fact, the most empathetic participants had two copies of the G allele (you might call them “double G’s”).
Don’t worry if you’re not a double G, though. As one of the researchers said, “There are plenty of people in the AA or AG gene pool who are empathetic, caring individuals.” An AA allele does not a puppy murderer make.
Besides, there are other incentives to be empathetic: “We should reach out to people … because research shows it’s better for everyone to be socially connected,” the researcher declared.
So if you’re not in it because of the whole “better for humanity” deal, please base your decision on research findings. Your fellow human beings would greatly appreciate it.
Image source: kalandrakas under Creative Commons
Some of us may be more empathetic, study says [NewsCenter]
Tags:alleles, caring, empathy, genes, oxytocin, Research
Comments (0)
Print This Post
Comments:
No comments yet.
