Evidence for evocative gene-environment correlation between child oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genotype and caregiver behavior

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene has been associated with maternal caregiving; however, it is unclear whether links between OXTR variation and parenting can be explained via genetically-influenced child emotionality and behavior (i.e., gene-environment correlation). We tested this model in 409 three-year-old children and their primary caregivers. Relative to children with at least one G allele, children with two A alleles displayed significantly more negative emotionality and other negative behavior and had caregivers who displayed lower parenting confidence. Child behavior mediated the relationship between child genotype and parenting, suggesting that the effects of OXTR genotype on child behavior may be a critical, evocative mechanism not previously accounted for in research exploring the associations between OXTR genotype and parenting.