How Genes Affect Your Sensitivity And Empathetic Quotient – Gizmodo

It’s in your genes. This often repeated phrase that has become a cult metaphor is actually proving to be true, especially when it comes to your emotional.

Genes play a big role in our level of empathy

With regards to empathy, there is a gene which plays a key role. This gene influences the part of the brain which receives the hormone oxytocin, a chemical which evokes empathy and love. The ‘G’ variant of the gene promotes empathy and ability to handle stress while the ‘A’ variant creates the opposite of the above effects. The third variant, the A/G variant evokes feelings somewhere in between.


Pallavi Srivastava