The Role of Genetics in the Development of Prosocial Behavior

doi:10.1017/9781108876681.004

3 - The Role of Genetics in the Development of Prosocial Behavior

from Part I - Development of Prosociality

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 May 2023

Ariel Knafo-Noam and

Dana Katsoty

Edited by

Tina Malti and

Maayan Davidov

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Tina Malti: Affiliation:
University of Toronto
Maayan Davidov: Affiliation:
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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Summary

We review findings regarding genetic effects on prosociality, while considering the multifaceted nature of this trait. We begin with reviewing quantitative genetic studies, particularly twin studies, which attempt to estimate the overall genetic contributions to prosociality and its components. We also discuss molecular genetic designs, while considering the methodological shift of focus from the study of candidate genes (i.e., specific genes that relate to phenotype) into genome-wide association studies (which study many polymorphisms across the genome). We then address the complex interplay of environmental and genetic effects, and present findings of gene-environment correlations and interactions. Throughout this chapter we also present findings regarding genetic effects in relevant constructs such as the personality trait of agreeableness and empathy, which could suggest underlying motivational mechanisms for prosocial behavior. We then present a developmental perspective on the topic, and conclude with discussing possible implications of this line of research and future directions.

Keywords

social development prosocial behavior genetics gene environment interactions gene environment correlations heritability

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Prosociality
Development, Mechanisms, Promotion
, pp. 37 - 60

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108876681.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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