Want A Happy Marriage? Win The Genetic Lottery!
The CC variant of the CD38 gene increases your chances for a happy marriage. While you certainly can have a good relationship without it it will be harder.
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The gene CD38 codes a protein molecule that is very important for the function of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone plays an important role in the creation of emotional connections between people. For example, it is behind a bond between a mother and her child. So, it will be no surprise that the effects of CD38 also affect the rest of the neural system.
According to a new study from a team led by the American psychologist, Elizabeth Hammock from Florida State University a change in a single letter of the CD38’s genetic code can be correlated to properties that increase emotional bonds and satisfaction in the early years of marriage. The results of the research published in the journal Scientific Reports show that the CC variant is connected with higher satisfaction. What that means exactly is that the bearer of the CC combination inherited the variant of the gene that carries on the given cytosine base.
People who have adenine instead of cytosine at this position are in a much worse position. And having one of the two filled with cytosine still isn’t enough.
Scientists used genetic information from seventy-one volunteer newlywed couples. Their DNA samples were taken three months after the wedding. At that time the newlyweds also underwent a psychological evaluation during which the levels of their trust and willingness to forgive the partners were capable of were measured.
The volunteer newlyweds went through the same psychological evaluation every four months for a period of three years. At the end of the study, the scientists compared the results of the evaluations with the patients' CD38 variants. They found that people with the CC combination show stronger behavior considered to be good for keeping a healthy relationship.
As both common knowledge and the scientists claim, at the start of a marriage people are usually very satisfied but the levels of satisfaction go down over time. But some people have this lowering faster than others.
The scientists were interested in finding out why newlyweds are less satisfied with their relationships and whether these possibly stem from genetic predispositions. They found out that individuals with the CC type of the gene felt more grateful, higher levels of trust, and were much more tolerant towards their partners and thus were more satisfied in the marriage than individuals that carry the AA or AC combination.
On the other hand, this doesn’t mean people who do not carry the CC genotype are destined to be unhappy. But it does mean they have a higher probability of encountering problems in certain parts of relationships and thus they will have to put more work into keeping their marriage happy.
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