Feeling lonely is partly linked to genetic mutations. But an American team puts the scope of our DNA into perspective. The environment remains predominant.
Loneliness. A theme almost as common as love in popular songs. But not everyone is affected in the same way. Depending on the individual, the feeling of being alone can vary greatly. A difference that is partly explained by our genes. But researchers at the University of California at San Diego (United States) put the weight of our DNA into perspective. The environment has more impact, they explain in Neuropsychopharmacology.
Common mutations
The genetic makeup of 10,000 elderly Americans was scrutinized by the team. All were participating in a study on aging, and were asked about the quality of their social life. “We want to know why, genetically, one person is more likely than another to feel alone, even in a comparable situation,” says Abraham Palmer, lead author of the publication. The responses confirm that genes have an impact on feeling lonely. 17 to 27% of the feeling is explained by their influence.
The environment therefore retains a major weight. It is even more pronounced than before. Indeed, previous studies have found that genetics explain 37 to 55% of the variations in perceived loneliness. These latest works put this phenomenon into perspective. But the researchers admit it: they only took into account the most common mutations, which could explain this discrepancy.
Depression, neurosis
The Californian team has also deepened knowledge in this area. The gene that influences the perception of being alone is often associated with the risk of neurosis and mild depressive symptoms. However, they found no link with the DNA fragments that regulate dopamine or oxytocin. This neurotransmitter and this hormone were however suspected of acting on the isolation.
This should lead to paying more attention to the environment of people who feel lonely. Because the literature is unanimous on at least one point: this feeling predicts the risk of premature death. Indeed, it is associated with degraded health, both mentally and physically. Chronic diseases and cardiovascular incidents are thus favored. For Abraham Palmer, loneliness would therefore be an additional biological warning mechanism.
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