Gene-environment interactions in other-race face recognition: Early caregiving experience and oxytocin receptor genotype interact to increase speed of other-race categorization

Abstract

The other-race face recognition deficit is a robust finding in the literature on facial processing in humans. Although previous models of the other-race effect have proposed the role of experience and interracial contact, genetics have not been examined in the context of other-race face recognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene-environment interaction between early caregiving experience and oxytocin receptor gene genotypes with other-race face recognition in adults. Eighty-nineSingaporean adults gave information on their early caregiving experiences with own- and other-race caregivers and genotyping of their oxytocin receptor gene (rs53576) was also conducted. Participants completed a visual categorization task where they identified the race of a face (Chinese or Javanese) and their categorization response time was measured. A significant main effect of early caregiving experience was found where reaction time was significantly slower in individuals with no other-racecaregiving experience than individuals with other-race caregiving experience. In addition, only non-G carriers of rs53576 without other-race caregiving experience had a significantly slower reaction time compared to non-G carriers with other-race caregivers. This was not observed in G carriers, indicating a gene-environment interaction. These results highlight the role of early interracial contact on other-race face recognition and its interaction with genetics. Future studies can employ a longitudinaldesign for further insight into this gene-environment interaction across development.

The relation between Oxytocin Receptor Gene polymorphisms, adult attachment and Instagram sociability: an exploratory analysis

“…Several studies also tested the socio-emotional behaviour and distress explained by variations in OXTR/rs53576 [40,92,42,93] or by its potential interaction with attachment [87] on an Eastern sample. Only few studies investigated social behaviour [94] and online sociability on a Singaporean sample [60,64]. Overall, OXTR rs53576 could shape the level of Instagram sociability independently from the potential influence of the adult close relationship with one's partner.…”