Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
  1. Home
  2. Search

Refine search

Refine search

Access:
Content type:
Publication date:
Apply   From and To filters
Subject: Show more
Journals Show more
Publishers: Show more
Societies Show more
Series: Show more
Collections: Show more

Actions for selected content:

Select all | Deselect all
  • View selected items
  • Export citations
  • Download PDF (zip)
  • Save to Kindle
  • Save to Dropbox
  • Save to Google Drive

Save Search

You can save your searches here and later view and run them again in "My saved searches".

Please provide a title, maximum of 40 characters.
Cancel
×

1 results

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

  • from Part I - Development of Prosociality
  • Edited by Tina Malti, University of Toronto, Maayan Davidov, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Book:
    The Cambridge Handbook of Prosociality
    Published online:
    25 May 2023
    Print publication:
    08 June 2023, pp 37-60

  • 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.