pessimism and optimism
You probably have a friend, or perhaps a boss, like Bristol (name changed)….let me summarize Bristol—she’s very bright, but she consistently has a negative, pessimistic reaction to, well, seems like everything. I really like Bristol, but I’m constantly amazed: how can someone find something bad in almost every bit of news I give her? Now maybe I have an answer.
In the most recent issue of Veja (no link since it’s by subscription; only in Portuguese…most similar to Time magazine in the U.S.), there was an article of a British/Brazilian university study which identified a gene that appears to control optimism and pessimism. Several hundred people were put through DNA analysis along with a battery of psychological testing, and the results were clear: if a person has two “long” versions of this particular gene, they are prone to optimism, if they have the “short” gene version, they are much more likely to look at the world in a negative way, pessimistically.
This gene in question helps control transport of the neurotransmitter serotonin from nerve cell to nerve cell, and speaking generally, the more serotonin that travels the gap from nerve cell to nerve cell, the happier a person tends to be. It’s the basis for the most popular form of anti-depressants, SSRIs, otherwise known as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors”, which increase the amount of serotonin in that nerve gap, the synapse. So the people with the two long form genes have more serotonin available to bridge those nerve gaps, and probably look at the world in a more positive way.
With this gene information, I will try to be even more understanding with Bristol, or perhaps mention to her again the idea of seeing a physican to at least consider “up-regulating” her serotonin levels with medication. Of course, medication and the issue of behavior being genetic or environmental…all of these are hot and controversial topics. As science identifies more genes influencing more behavior types, I suspect the controversy will become even more intense, more polarized, as people debate how responsible individuals are for their own behaviors, and if “problem” behaviors should be “fixed” with medication. What do you think?
Gis Said,
May 13, 2009 @ 10:30 am
I believe we are influenced by both genes and environment. We are a product of the family plus our reaction to the events of life.It is up to us to change what can be changed and seek help when we want to change and something is blocking this to happen. But in my modest opinion I think you will have trouble to make Bristol understand that she has a problem because these kind of people tend to think you are totally wrong and they are perfectly right. Bristol has to realize her behaviour and change it. What you do not acknowledge you do not change it. So if Bristol does not think she needs a medical advice maybe gym will help her to rise her serotonin levels. Or will she complain about it too?