The 5-HTT gene regulates the transport of serotonin (“the happiness drug”) in the brain, according to research published in the Journal of Human Genetics. People with the functional variant of the 5-HTT gene tend to lead happier lives.
As a person inherits the gene from both parents, there are three variations--long-long, long-short or short-short. The long-long version is the most efficient.
In the study, over 2,500 participants were asked the question "How satisfied are you with your life as a whole?" with five possible answers; very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied or neither.
Respondents' answers were compared to their version of the 5-HTT gene found in their DNA.
Nearly 70% of those with the long-long version were very satisfied or satisfied, compared to only 40% of those with the short-short version. And having at least one long variant (long-long or long-short) resulted in an increase of 8.5% in the chances of the person being satisfied compared to those with the short-short version.
26% of those with the short-short version were dissatisfied, contrasting with only 20% who have the long-long version.
Commenting on the results, which are published in the Journal of Human Genetics, study leader Jan-Emmanuel De Neve said: "It has long been suspected that this gene plays a role in mental health but this is the first study to show that it is instrumental in shaping our individual happiness levels."
He cautioned that the 5-HTT gene is not the only reason for happiness levels."The results of our study suggest a strong link between happiness and this functional variation in the 5-HTT gene. Of course, our well-being isn't determined by this one gene - other genes and especially experience throughout the course of life will continue to explain the majority of variation in individual happiness," Dr De Neve said.
"This finding helps to explain why we each have a unique baseline level of happiness and why some people tend to be naturally happier than others, and that's in no small part due to our individual genetic make-up.”
12 Comments
Don't think too much; keep life as simple as possible; do what you like; you will feel happy.
Replythen most white people lack those genes. they all seem depressed and unhappy all the time. always whingeing, especially pomies and americans. cure, mate their women with males from other racwes say africans, indians, sri lankans etc. and wipe the unhappy gene ever. now that is cutting edge gene therapy. ain't it!!!
ReplyLeave all your joys & sorrows, take care of your genes and only genes.
Reply40% of people with the short short variant are happy. This suggests the long long version can be 100% absent and happiness can still prevail. This suggests the long long variant has nothing to do with happiness in at least 40% of the population and possibly all of the rest of the population. The study has proved nothing.
ReplyTrash! I guess these guys (so-called scientists) are really bored. Find something to do with your time, HAPPINESS IS A THING OF THE MIND! You are as happy as you want to be. It could be circumstantial though. But genetic? NO.
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