A study of over 2,500 Americans has revealed the influence of the 5-HTT gene, dubbed the ‘Happiness Gene’, on personal wellbeing.
The gene is associated with the release of serotonin in the brain. Research has suggested that due to increased efficiency in distribution, people born with two long versions of the gene are more likely to feel ‘happy’ than those with two short versions.
Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, a researcher at the London School of Economics and Political Science told The Guardian: “This gives us more insight into the biological mechanisms that influence life satisfaction,”
“If you’re feeling down, your neurological circuitry could be partially responsible. By that I don’t mean to say that one can hold biology responsible for depression, but a better understanding of one’s unique genetic make-up combined with willpower could help in surmounting a psychological dip.”
The participants of the study were asked how satisfied they were with life as a whole and responded on a five-point scale from ‘very satisfied’ to ‘very dissatisfied’.
The results indicated that, everything else being equal, having one long version of the gene increased the number of ‘very satisfied’ people by around 8.5 per cent and having two long versions increased the number by 17.3 per cent.
De Neve stressed that although the gene could indicate why some people seem naturally more satisfied than others, it did not provide any fail-safe formula. He emphasised that two short versions of the gene did not condemn a person to misery any more than two long versions would make someone immune to depression.
De Neve said: “This gene has an important influence, but you cannot say it causes happiness. Happiness is hugely complex and your experiences throughout the course of your life will remain the dominant force on that.”
Researchers are contemplating how a greater understanding of genes such at 5-HTT might enable would-be parents to create a child genetically inclined towards contentment.
Ed Diener, a psychologist at the University of Illinois said: “We are just beginning to understand the actual genetics of happiness, and how genes might influence brain hormones and other physiology that influence our wellbeing.
“This exciting work offers insights that one day may help us counter disorders such as depression. Parents one day might have the choice of whether to choose genes that will create a child who is more satisfied with his or her life.”
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by Natalie Carthy
