In this journal, Bachner-Melman et al.1 reported that the 48-bp variable number of tandem repeat in the third exon of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4 VNTR) is associated with self-reported altruism. Despite mounting evidence for a role of dopamine in prosocial behavior,2, 3, 4 this result has not been replicated yet, perhaps because of the rare usage of the applied Selflessness Scale. Here, we report a conceptual replication of the association between DRD4 VNTR and altruism measured with the well-established Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; see Strobel et al.2).

The DRD4 VNTR gene variation is associated with self-reported altruism, as measured by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R).

Dopamine D4 receptor gene variation impacts self-reported altruism

Key Takeaway: The DRD4 VNTR gene variation is associated with self-reported altruism, as measured by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R).