Distress of ostracism: oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism confers sensitivity to social exclusion

Abstract

A single-nucleotide polymorphism on the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), rs53576, involving a guanine (G) to adenine (A) substitution has been associated with altered prosocial features. Specifically, individuals with the GG genotype (i.e. the absence of the polymorphism) display beneficial traits including enhanced trust, empathy and self-esteem. However, because G carriers might also be more socially sensitive, this may render them more vulnerable to the adverse effects of a negative social stressor. The current investigation, conducted among 128 white female undergraduate students, demonstrated that relative to individuals with AA genotype, G carriers were more emotionally sensitive (lower self-esteem) in response to social ostracism promoted through an on-line ball tossing game (Cyberball). Furthermore, GG individuals also exhibited altered blood pressure and cortisol levels following rejection, effects not apparent among A carriers. The data support the view that the presence of the G allele not only promotes prosocial behaviors but also favors sensitivity to a negative social stressor.

Oxytocin pathways in the intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress

“…Among G allele carriers this association was mediated by subjective ratings of interpersonal distrust. Support for this higher sensitivity to a dysfunctional or stressful social environment in rs53576 G allele carriers was further substantiated by both observational (Burkhouse et al, 2015; Dannlowski et al, 2015; Hostinar et al, 2014; Smearman et al, 2015; Sturge-Apple et al, 2012; Windle and Mrug, 2015) and experimental studies (Chen et al, 2011; McQuaid et al, 2015; Norman et al, 2012). As examples of observational studies, it could be shown that rs53576 GG homozygous subjects with ELS exposure have a smaller bilateral volume of the ventral striatum, a key structure of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway (Dannlowski et al, 2015) which is implicated in both depression risk (Nestler and Carlezon, 2006) and parenting behavior (Strathearn et al, 2009).…”

“…Men carrying the G allele were more likely to exhibit an attenuated cortisol response to a public speaking challenge when receiving social support (Chen et al, 2011), whereas A allele homozygotes appeared to be resistant to the stress-buffering effect of social support. Finally, in an experimental manipulation of social exclusion, only G allele homozygous women reported reduced self-esteem compared to participants who were not excluded, indicating a higher rejection sensitivity in GG women (McQuaid et al, 2015). Concordantly, excluded GG carriers’ systolic blood pressure remained elevated during the game and 30 minutes thereafter, and excluded GG carriers also had higher cortisol levels than included GG individuals.…”

Oxytocin receptor gene variation predicts subjective responses to MDMA

“…Some of these effects of MDMA may be mediated through the release of oxytocin, and so OXTR variation may also contribute to individual differences in the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. While one recent study found that A/A individuals may be less sensitive to social ostracism (McQuaid, McInnis, Matheson, & Anisman, 2015), they may also be less likely to derive psychological benefits from social support in general. These individuals are less likely to seek social support (Kim et al, 2010), and for A/A homozygotes, social support during stress does not reduce cortisol responses (Chen et al, 2011).…”

Oxytocin biases men but not women to restore social connections with individuals who socially exclude them

“…Indeed, whereas the rs53576 OXT receptor polymorphism is associated with emotional support seeking in Americans, it is not in Koreans28. This same polymorphism is also associated with differential responses to social stress29 and social exclusion30.…”

“…In this paradigm subjects play a ball tossing game with players via the internet who either exclude or include them during the game and, unbeknownst to them, are actually computer controlled31. Two studies have shown that plasma OXT concentrations rise significantly in healthy controls, but not in Borderline Personality disorder or depression patients, after the experience of being excluded in this game3233 and another found an association between the rs53576 (G-carriers) polymorphism of the OXT receptor gene and emotional responses to exclusion in the game30. One study has reported that intranasal OXT promoted prosocial behavior towards a victim of social rejection in individuals who experienced low levels of maternal love withdrawal34.…”