Nov 25, 2009
Is It Dangerous to Give People the Idea That Empathy Can Be Reduced to Genetics?
Sarina Rodrigues Answers
My biggest fear is just that. I would never want to give people the idea that a complex, multifaceted concept like empathy can be reduced to genetics. We have been very cautious about what our research implies, but unfortunately, media reports can sometimes overstate claims.
Our findings suggest that a single genetic variation—of the oxytocin receptor—relates to empathy and stress reactivity, which makes a lot of sense given oxytocin’s potent influence on social behaviors and the calming of the stress response. But even those born without a tendency to be empathetic are capable of becoming extremely empathetic—just like those who have a genetic predisposition to develop depression can fight those inclinations, even when life brings some hard knocks.
I just want people to understand that some people have a harder time catching themselves from falling into holes, and we should all have the compassion to reach out to everyone, especially those who have a hard time relating to others, because belongingness and social contact have a strong impact on the physical and mental well-being of everyone.
Sarina Rodrigues is a professor of psychology at Oregon State University and a postdoctoral fellow at the Greater Good Science Center.
Makes it’s own sense: if asocial behavior, e.g., autism, may have a genetic link, then “social calling” might just as logically. But a genetic predisposition, as you note, does not tell the full story of one’s capacities to overcome, compensate, etc. At one point I saw some preliminary child behavior research that suggested that compassion as well (per your note above) is a differentiated behavior (though methodology might have been questionable)as well. . .studying children who were most helpful in a preschool setting. . .
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I feel that with so many media outlets out in the world today I also agree that the idea empathy can be reduced to just genetics can be overplayed by the media, which then can cause major problems in society. It seems today, the media likes to stir up trouble for ratings. If young kids get the idea that empathy is just genetics based, I feel people will lose all sense of empathetic feelings all together. Any wrong doings, will come with the excuse that “I was not genetically given two G allele, therefore I am not suppose to be empathetic.” Depending on how other media outlet reports on this new finding, it can very well harm humanities thinking.