Abstract
According to the idea that the central serotonergic system has a modulatory function on behavior and personality in general, we aimed to highlight its association to habitual positive emotionality. In a placebo-controlled double-blind and randomized cross-over neuroendocrine challenge design (n = 72 healthy males) we investigated the association of the central serotonergic responsivity, 5-HTTLPR-genotype as well as their combined effects on positive emotionality. Regression analyses revealed an involvement of the serotonergic system in positive emotionality. There was, however, no direct association between positive emotionality and cortisol responses to S-citalopram; rather 5-HTTLPR-genotype showed an association (p < 0.05). That is, positive emotionality scores increased with the number of s-alleles carried by the individuals. Most notable was the moderating role of 5-HTTLPR-genotype (p < 0.05) on the association between acute serotonergic responsivity and positive emotionality. Indeed, this association was only found in ss-homozygotes, in which the acute responsivity of the serotonergic system additionally seems to contribute to the level of positive emotionality (r = 0.70, p < 0.05). The findings correspond to previous research demonstrating that the 5-HTTLPR is not only involved in the negative-emotional aspects of behavior and temperament, but is associated, moreover, with positive affectivity—supporting the assumption of its valence-neutrality. In addition, our data are in line with the idea of possible influences of the 5-HTTLPR-genotype on early neuronal development. They also indicate the need for further studies in order to clearly elucidate the role of the serotonergic system and its subcomponents in the regulation of positive emotionality.
Highlights
The central serotonergic system controls a wide range of processes (e.g., Lucki, 1998), wherein it is thought to have general non-specific inhibitory effects (Spoont, 1992)
The present study aims to further elucidate the role of interindividual variations in the functionality of the serotonergic system regarding the trait of positive emotionality—i.e., stable dispositions associated with frequent experiencing of positive affect, approach motivation and behavior, reflecting interindividual differences in underlying emotional response systems (Depue et al, 1994; Tellegen and Waller, 2008)
We investigated the association between two indicators of serotonergic functionality and habitual positive emotionality, expecting a moderating effect of 5-HTTLPR-genotype
Summary
The central serotonergic system controls a wide range of processes (e.g., Lucki, 1998), wherein it is thought to have general non-specific inhibitory effects (Spoont, 1992). Most research has focused on the involvement of serotonin in psychopathology and negative affectivity, wherefore its potential contribution to positive affectivity has mostly been disregarded In his neurobiological theory Depue explicitly links the serotonergic system to these inhibitory processes on the neural and behavioral level, presuming it to function as a thresholdmodulator facilitating the elicitation of avoidance- as well as approach-behavior in case of reduced functionality (Depue and Collins, 1999; Depue and Fu, 2011). It is, thought to be “valence-neutral” and should modulate negative as well as positive emotionality. The present study aims to further elucidate the role of interindividual variations in the functionality of the serotonergic system regarding the trait of positive emotionality—i.e., stable dispositions associated with frequent experiencing of positive affect, approach motivation and behavior, reflecting interindividual differences in underlying emotional response systems (Depue et al, 1994; Tellegen and Waller, 2008)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.