Quality of Life Research, 2013, 22 (6) 1189-1200, DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0277-5
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To describe the major findings in the literature regarding associations between biologicaland genetic factors and social functioning, paying special attention to: (1) heritability studieson social functioning and related concepts; (2) hypothesized biological pathways and geneticvariants that could be involved in social functioning, and (3) the implications of these results for quality-of-life research.
Methods: A search of Web of Science and PubMed databases was conducted using combinations ofthe following keywords: genetics, twins, heritability, social functioning, social adjustment, social interaction, and social dysfunction.
Results:Variability in the definitions and measures of social functioning was extensive. Moderate to high heritability was reported for social functioning and related concepts, including prosocial behavior, loneliness, and extraversion. Disorders characterized by impairments in social functioning also show substantial heritability. Genetic variants hypothesized to be involved in social functioning are related to the network of brain structures and processes that are known to affect social cognition and behavior.
Conclusions::
Keywords: Quality of life, Social functioning, Patient-reported outcomes, Genetic variants, Geneticunderpinning
Together with: Juan R. Ordon (first author), Meike Bartels, Dorret I. Boomsma, David Cella, Miriam Mosing, Joao R. Oliveira, Donald L. Patrick, Ruut Veenhoven, Gert G. Wagner, Mirjam A.G. Sprangers, The GENEQOL Consortium