The genetics of morality and prosociality

• Genetic studies of morality have overwhelmingly focused on prosociality (PS).
• PS is multidimensional, with affective, cognitive, and behavioral components.
• Heritable individual differences in PS emerge early and increase as children develop.
• Candidate gene studies are revealing biological mechanisms underlying individual differences in PS.
• Genome-wide studies are underway, with the potential to reveal new insights into PS's genetic architecture.

Genetically informed research of phenotypes related to morality has proliferated rapidly in the last few years, sparking paradigm shifts from theories based solely on socialization toward ones integrating biological influences. Here, we review recent genetic research in the area of morality that has received the most attention in genetic studies: prosociality — positive emotions, attitudes, and behaviors directed toward others. Individual differences in prosociality emerge early in life, increase in heritability as children develop, and are related to variation in genes regulating neurotransmitter systems central to social affect, cognition, and behavior. The majority of molecular genetic studies have been candidate-based, however genome-wide studies are emerging, with the potential to elucidate novel biological pathways associated with individual differences in morality.