Oxytocin Receptor Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Related to Maternal-Infant Co-Occupation and Infant Sensory
Nicki L Aubuchon-Endsley1,2, Madeline Hudson2, Brittany Banh2
1Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 26, 2024
Summary
Maternal oxytocin receptor gene variations influence caregiver-infant interactions and infant sensory processing. Mothers with specific OXTR SNPs showed altered co-occupational behaviors and infants had different sensory avoidance patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Biology
Background:
- Caregiver-infant reciprocity impacts child development and health.
- Limited research exists on co-occupation and infant sensory processing.
- Biopsychosocial factors, including maternal oxytocin receptor single-nucleotide polymorphisms (OXTR SNPs), are key mediators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if maternal OXTR SNPs affect co-occupational behaviors with infants.
- To determine if maternal OXTR SNPs influence infant sensory processing and preferences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Infant Development and Healthy Outcomes in Mothers Study.
- Analyzed prenatal saliva for OXTR SNPs and postnatal behavioral observations for co-occupations.
- Assessed infant sensory profiles at 10, 14, and 18 months.
Main Results:
- Mothers with rs53576 risk allele A showed more reciprocal emotionality.
- Mothers with rs2254298 risk allele A exhibited less reciprocal emotionality but more intentionality.
- Infants of mothers with rs53576 risk allele A had higher odds of sensory avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Findings support links between OXTR SNPs, caregiver reciprocity, and infant development.
- Extends previous research to co-occupations and infant sensory processing/preferences.
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