Genes Make Some People More Cynical than Others, Research Finds

Rebecca Lewis October 14, 2013

Why are some people so negative towards everything in life? Why do others find it hard to overcome and forget negative experiences? According to a new study by the University of British Columbia, the answer may lie on our genes.

The research, which was published in the journal Psychological Science, suggests that a previously known gene variant can cause some people to perceive emotional events, particularly the negative one, more vividly than others.

The gene was called ADRA2b deletion variant, which is known to influence the norepinephrine – a substance that acts as a neurotransmitter and a hormone in the brain. The said gene was previously found to play a role in the formation of emotional memories.

"This is the first study to find that this genetic variation can significantly affect how people see and experience the world," said Prof. Rebecca Todd, the lead author from the University of British Columbia, Department of Psychology. "The findings suggest people experience emotional aspects of the world partly through gene-coloured glasses – and that biological variations at the genetic level can play a significant role in individual differences in perception."

For the study, 200 participants were shown positive, negative and neutral words in a rapid succession. The researchers found that those with the ADRA2b gene variant were more likely to perceive negative words than others.

"These individuals may be more likely to pick out angry faces in a crowd of people. Outdoors, they might notice potential hazards – places you could slip, loose rocks that might fall – instead of seeing the natural beauty." Prof Todd added.

The new findings shed more light on how genetics, along with other factors like culture, mood and education, can affect people’s perception of emotional memories. In future studies, Prof Todd and her team will be carrying out the same study across ethnic groups as it has been shown that the ADRA2b gene variant is statistically more prevalent in some ethnicities.

Source of this article:

Genes for emotion-enhanced remembering are linked to enhanced perceiving