Human beings have a strong need for positive social interaction. Intimate relationships with a partner are particularly important for our health. Clearly, such relationships depend on communication and conflict management, and of course have a lot to do with individual biochemistry. Specifically one protein: the neuropeptide known as oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a peptide (i.e. a ketogenic amino acid) which is responsible for ensuring that we communicate in a positive manner. And it has the desirable side-effect of inhibiting stress hormones, namely the secretion of cortisol. So if we produce oxytocin, we are better able to resolve conflict. How much of this oxytocin we produce is, of course, genetically determined.
We now know that some people are better at conflict resolution than others. One of our genetic tests will shed light on this, and we can then pursue a more targeted strategy for dealing with anger, stress and conflict. Here too, it is helpful to know about our genes.
