Associations between dopamine and serotonin genes and job satisfaction: Preliminary evidence from the Add Health Study

Citation

Song, Zhaoli; Li, Wendong; & Arvey, Richard D. (2011). Associations between dopamine and serotonin genes and job satisfaction: Preliminary evidence from the Add Health Study. Journal of Applied Psychology. vol. 96 (6) pp. 1223

Abstract

Previous behavioral genetic studies have found that job satisfaction is partially heritable. We went a step further to examine particular genetic markers that may be associated with job satisfaction. Using an oversample from the National Adolescent Longitudinal Study (Add Health Study), we found 2 genetic markers, dopamine receptor gene DRD4 VNTR and serotonin transporter gene 5-HTTLPR, to be weakly but significantly associated with job satisfaction. Furthermore, we found study participants' level of pay to mediate the DRD4 and job satisfaction relationship. However, we found no evidence that self-esteem mediated the relationships between these 2 genes and job satisfaction. The study represents an initial effort to introduce a molecular genetics approach to the fields of organizational psychology and organizational behavior.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1037%2Fa0024577

Keyword(s)

Genetic Genetic Genetic

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Applied Psychology

Author(s)

Song, Zhaoli
Li, Wendong
Arvey, Richard D.

Year Published

2011

Volume Number

96

Issue Number

6

Pages

1223

DOI

10.1037/a0024577

Reference ID

1442