Variations in genes can affect how happy your marriage will be

A GOOD marriage may be partly genetic, scientists believe, after finding that some gene variants make people more supportive partners.

Researchers at Binghamton University in the US looked at how different variants of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) influence couples.

Oxytocin is known as the ‘love hormone’ because it helps people to bond, but different versions of OXTR gene alter how the hormone is released and regulated, meaning some people find attachment and caring more difficult than others.

The study showed marital quality was affected when husbands carried a particular OXTR variant.

Associate professor Richard Mattson said: “We are the first to provide evidence that variation on specific genes related to oxytocin functioning impact overall marital quality, in part, because they are relevant to how partners provide and receive support from each other.”