Ассоциация самооценок по эмпатии, помощи, агрессии и личностным установкам с пальцевым индексом и полиморфизмом rs53576 гена OXTR у школьников европеоидного происхождения

Abstract

Introduction. The evolution of mutual help and cooperation in humans has been actively analyzed using the methods of ethology, psychology, anthropometry and genetics. The goal of this study was to identify associations between the finger index (2D:4D), the rs53576 polymorphism of the OXTR gene, gender and age with a willingness to help others and adherence to certain cultural standards in Russian schoolchildren of Caucasian origin. Materials and methods. The samples for this study were collected in the schools of the city Ussuriysk (Primorsky Krai) and the city Yelizovo (Kamchatka Krai) in 2015-2019. The total sample size was 853 (416 boys and 437 girls), represented exclusively by children of European origin. The average age of the participants was 14.2 ± 1.6 years (ranged from 10 to 18 years). Data collection methods included: questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and collection of DNA samples (buccal epithelium or saliva). The data were analyzed using the SPSS-27 software package. Results. Significant differences were obtained for the finger index, 2D:4D, three scales of the Bass-Perry aggression questionnaire (anger, hostility, physical aggression), the generalized Baron-Cohen empathy coefficient and Boyko's level of empathy, dominance and social success, self-esteem, attitudes towards helping others. Readiness to help relatives was significantly associated with the GG variant of OXTR_rs53576 gene polymorphism. Adherence to moral norms (the weak need to be protected) was significantly associated with the finger index. Discussion. The results of our study indicate the significant gender differences in masculinity, including the 2D:4D ratio on the right and left hands, self-assessments of dominance and social status, one's own role in the group, attitudes towards aggression and related (group) solidarity. Boys performed more expressed self-assessments on physical aggression, and showed more parochialism, declaring a willingness to take the side of friends (relatives), regardless of who was right in the conflict and a willingness to follow cultural standards, concerning protection of the weakest. Girls outperformed boys in emotionality, and gave higher scores on anger and hostility. Our data, in combination with the findings of other authors, demonstrate the association of the homozygous variant GG OXTR_rs53576 with prosociality, altruism, and help.