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23-03-2019 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Neurogenetic Mechanisms of Self-Compassionate Mindfulness: the Role of Oxytocin-Receptor Genes

Auteurs: Yuyin Wang, Linlin Fan, Yiyi Zhu, Junkai Yang, Cong Wang, Li Gu, Shengqi Zhong, Yingyu Huang, Xiaolin Xie, Hui Zhou, Siyang Luo, Xiang Wu

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 9/2019

Abstract

Objectives

Self-compassionate mindfulness is an important component of self-compassion and has been viewed as an essential factor contributing to well-being. With current advances in social neuroscience highlighting the neurogenetic basis of human behaviors, the present study aimed to investigate the neurogenetic foundation of self-compassionate mindfulness. Of particular interest is OXTR rs53576, which is responsible for affiliation and has been suggested as the potential genetic mechanism underlying self-compassionate mindfulness.

Methods

We performed a resting-state fMRI and used a graph theory-based analysis in a sample of genotyped healthy college students. The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) was used to assess the trait of self-compassion.

Results

G allele carriers of OXTR rs53576 displayed higher self-compassionate mindfulness than did A/A carriers (p = 0.034, η_p² = 0.086). Moreover, the graphic metric of the degree in regions in the empathy network (i.e., the right angular gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex) mediated the association between OXTR rs53576 and self-compassionate mindfulness (95% CI [0.1716, 1.2929]). The graphic metric of the local efficiency in regions of the executive control network (i.e., the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal cortex) also mediated the relationship between OXTR rs53576 and self-compassionate mindfulness (95% CI [0.1792, 1.2866]).

Conclusions

These findings advance our understanding of how self-compassionate mindfulness affects mental health improvements, which is conducive to preventions and interventions aiming to enhance well-being.

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Titel: Neurogenetic Mechanisms of Self-Compassionate Mindfulness: the Role of Oxytocin-Receptor Genes
Auteurs: Yuyin Wang
Linlin Fan
Yiyi Zhu
Junkai Yang
Cong Wang
Li Gu
Shengqi Zhong
Yingyu Huang
Xiaolin Xie
Hui Zhou
Siyang Luo
Xiang Wu
Publicatiedatum: 23-03-2019
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness / Uitgave 9/2019
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01141-7

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Objectives

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