A study involving 46,000 people published in 2018 suggests that empathy is not solely shaped by upbringing and life experiences but is partly inherited through genetics. The research found that approximately 10% of the variations in empathy levels among individuals can be attributed to genetics. Women, on average, scored higher in empathy than men, but specific genetic differences accounting for this gender difference were not identified. The study did not pinpoint specific “empathy genes” but did find that genetic differences associated with lower empathy were linked to a higher risk of autism. While this research is a significant step in understanding the genetic basis of empathy, it underscores that non-genetic factors also play a substantial role in shaping an individual’s empathy levels.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-43343807
However, what the study failed to find is that
- Genes can be modified epigenetically by the environment, especially childhood trauma.
- Genes cannot explain different levels of empathic ability such as cognitive empathy, identification, sympathy, and empathy.
- Self-report studies have potential self-serving bias.