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A gene has been discovered that is responsible for female happiness
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Thanks to a new study conducted by scientists from the University of South Florida, the National Institutes of Health and Columbia University, it was possible to discover the gene of female happiness.
This discovery may help explain why women are happier than men, despite being more prone to anxiety and stress.
The results obtained were published in the online journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry.
According to study co-author Enian Chen, MD, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, he was very surprised by the result. That's because low expression of monoamine oxidase MAOA was associated with depression, antisocial behavior, and alcoholism.
In addition, this gene was called the warrior gene because it was responsible for a person's tendency to murder and aggression. But in the case of women, the gene shows its bright side.
"This new discovery may help us explain gender differences and provide deeper insights into the relationship between specific genes and human happiness," says Dr. Chen.
The MAOA gene regulates enzymes that break down serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. Their reduction is associated with depression and low mood, so they are frequent targets of antidepressants.
Decreasing the activity of the MAOA gene increases the amount of monoamines, which helps keep neurotransmitters at high levels.
Scientists analyzed the DNA of 193 women and 152 men. They took into account factors such as education, age and income level.
As it turned out, women with low activity of the MAOA gene were significantly happier than others.
However, two copies of the gene increased happiness. This effect was not observed in men with versions of the MAOA gene.
Experts explain the gender difference by the action of the hormone testosterone, which is present in men's bodies more than in women's. It is testosterone that blocks the positive effect of the MAOA gene in men.
According to this version, experts have suggested that teenage boys are more likely to be happier during adolescence when their testosterone levels are lower.
Dr Chen stresses that more research is needed to examine the specific influence of genes on human well-being and well-being.
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