Relationship Between Popularity, the Oxytocin Receptor Polymorphism Gene (OXTR rs53576), Emotional Intelligence, and Empathy

The innate drive for humans to belong is coupled with the strategies they use to gain and maintain resources (Sapolsky, Annual Review of Anthropology, 33(1), 393–418,2004), and individuals in higher levels of social status (such as dominant individuals) use different strategies to gain that status (Hawley, Developmental Review, 19(1), 97–132, 1999; Hawley, Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 49(3), 279–309, 2003). Just as the environment is important for human development, it is also important to consider the genetic components that can impact thoughts and behaviors. Oxytocin has been connected to many affiliative behaviors which assist in gaining social status (Massey-Abernathy, Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology, 3(3), 212–220, 2017). OXTR rs53576 is a specific oxytocin polymorphic receptor site that when G homozygous, meaning possessing two G alleles (GG), individuals show more empathetic concern (Smith, Social Neuroscience, 9(1), 1–9, 2014), an increased ability to infer the emotional state of others (Domes, Biological Psychiatry, 61(6), 731–733, 2007), and increased emotional regulation (Massey-Abernathy, Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology, 3(3), 212–220, 2017).

In the current study, the relationships between self-report questionnaires on popularity types (sociometric/perceived), resource control strategies, empathy (cognitive and affective), and emotional intelligence was examined. Then a smaller sub-sample was used to look at their relationship to OXTR rs53576 using saliva sampling.

This study’s results indicate in this sample, the use of coercive strategies alone created perceived popular individuals. Additionally, emotional intelligence and cognitive empathy were important for increased perceived popularity, and these characteristics were also seen in those who are OXTR rs53576G homozygous.

Examining these relationships may help researchers understand why “popular” individuals use certain tactics to create and maintain their high social status.