The neural and genetic correlates of satisfying sexual activity in heterosexual pair‐bonds

Abstract

Introduction In humans, satisfying sexual activity within a pair‐bond plays a significant role in relationship quality and maintenance, beyond reproduction. However, the neural and genetic correlates for this basic species‐supporting function, in response to a pair‐bonded partner, are unknown. Methods We examined the neural correlates of oxytocin‐ ( Oxtr rs53576) and vasopressin‐ ( Avpr 1a rs3) receptor genotypes with sexual satisfaction and frequency, among a group of individuals in pair‐bonds (M relationship length = 4.1 years). Participants were scanned twice (with functional MRI), about 1‐year apart, while viewing face images of their spouse and a familiar, neutral acquaintance. Results Sex satisfaction scores showed significant interactions with Oxtr and Avpr variants associated with social behaviors in a broad network of regions involved in reward and motivation (ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra [SN], and caudate), social bonding (ventral pallidum), emotion and memory (amygdala/hippocampus), hormone control (hypothalamus); and somatosensory and self‐other processing (SII, frontal, and temporal lobe). Sexual frequency interactions also showed activations in the SN and paraventricular hypothalamus for Avpr , and the prefrontal cortex for Oxtr . Conclusions Satisfying sexual activity in pair‐bonds is associated with activation of subcortical structures that support basic motivational and physiological processes; as well as cortical regions that mediate complex thinking, empathy, and self‐other processes highlighting the multifaceted role of sex in pair‐bonds. Oxtr and Avpr gene variants may further amplify both basic and complex neural processes for pair‐bond conservation and well‐being.

After the Honeymoon: Neural and Genetic Correlates of Romantic Love in Newlywed Marriages

“…The data utilized for the current study were part of a broader project (see Acevedo et al, 2014Acevedo et al, , 2019a for other papers), and these results have been published elsewhere (Acevedo et al, 2014(Acevedo et al, , 2019a. No analyses in the present research are redundant with any published findings.…”

“…In a study of 552 twin pairs and their romantic partners, AVPR1a rs3 in men (but not women) was associated with higher levels of partner bonding, fewer relationship problems, greater commitment, and higher levels of relationship quality reported by their romantic partners (Walum et al, 2008). Another study showed that AVPR1a rs3 was associated with greater sexual satisfaction and frequency of sexual activity, with corresponding reward system activation in pair-bonded individuals (Acevedo et al, 2019a). More broadly, AVPR1a rs3 plays a role in complex social behaviors such as altruism, cognitive empathy, and emotional responsivity to faces (Knafo et al, 2008;Meyer-Lindenberg, 2008;Poulin et al, 2012;Brunnlieb et al, 2016).…”

“…Several studies have identified genetic polymorphisms associated with pair-bonding. One key polymorphism, AVPR1a rs3, has been linked with pair-bonding in voles and humans (Insel et al, 1994;Walum et al, 2008;Jarcho et al, 2011;Acevedo et al, 2019a). In a study of 552 twin pairs and their romantic partners, AVPR1a rs3 in men (but not women) was associated with higher levels of partner bonding, fewer relationship problems, greater commitment, and higher levels of relationship quality reported by their romantic partners (Walum et al, 2008).…”

Genetic and epigenetic effects on couple adjustment in context of romantic relationship: A scoping systematic review

“…In a study of twins and their romantic relationships with their partners, Walum et al (2008) showed that AVPR1a rs3 was associated with higher rates of partner bonding, fewer relationship difficulties, greater obligation, and better quality of their romantic relationship (only in men). Another study revealed that this variant correlated with a higher level of sexual satisfaction and sexual activity frequency (Acevedo et al, 2019). Furthermore, AVPR1a rs3 can play a role in complex social cognitive processes like empathy, emotional facial reaction, and altruism (Volbrecht et al, 2007;Meyer-Lindenberg, 2008;Brunnlieb et al, 2016).…”

“…It has been found that OXTR rs53576 can play a role in pair bonding (Poulin et al, 2012;Acevedo et al, 2019). Studies have shown that people with more G alleles have higher levels of sociability, empathy, and altruism with their emotional partner (Uzefovsky et al, 2016;Gong et al, 2017).…”