How the Warrior Gene Affects Your Risk-Taking, Aggression, and Impulsivity

Have you ever observed a person and wondered why someone acts in a certain way - why they chose to make that risk, what makes them tick. Well, it could be genetic - what is colloquially known as the warrior gene. This gene is involved in the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which affect mood, emotion, and behaviour. The “Warrior gene” variant reduces the activity of the MAOA enzyme, which leads to higher levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This variant has been associated with various traits, such as risk-taking, aggression, impulsivity, and violence. However, the effects of this gene are not straightforward, and depend on many factors, such as environmental influences, other genes, and gender.

Welcome back to Interestingly, - this time we are exploring the science and the myths behind the “Warrior gene”. We will examine how this gene affects our behavior and personality, how it interacts with other factors, and how it has been used and misused in various contexts, such as criminal justice, sports, and politics. Remember -we are not geneticists or psychologists, just curious people but enjoy the read.

The “Warrior gene” is a popular name for a genetic variant of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, which is located on the X chromosome. It was first discovered in 1993, when a Dutch geneticist, Hans Brunner, studied a family with a history of violent and antisocial behaviour.

He found that the male members of the family had a mutation in the MAOA gene, which caused a complete lack of the MAOA enzyme. This condition, known as Brunner syndrome, is very rare and severe and causes mental retardation, epilepsy, and aggression.

The “Warrior gene” has been linked to various behavioral and psychological traits, such as:

• Risk-taking: People with the low-activity variant are more likely to take risks and seek thrills, such as gambling, skydiving, or extreme sports. They are also more likely to be entrepreneurs, innovators, or leaders. This is because they have higher levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that motivates and rewards us for taking action.

• Aggression: People with the low-activity variant are more likely to be aggressive and violent, especially when provoked or stressed. They are also more likely to be involved in crime, antisocial behavior, or substance abuse. This is because they have higher levels of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that prepares us for fight or flight.

• Impulsivity: People with the low-activity variant are more likely to act on their impulses and emotions, without thinking of the consequences. They are also more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, or personality disorders. This is because they have higher levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates our mood, impulse control, and social behavior.

However, the effects of the “Warrior gene” are not deterministic, and depend on many other factors, such as:

• Environmental influences: The “Warrior gene” interacts with the environment, especially during early childhood. People with the low-activity variant who experience abuse, neglect, or trauma are more likely to develop antisocial or violent behavior, while those who experience nurturing, supportive, or positive environments are more likely to develop prosocial or adaptive behavior.

• Other genes: The “Warrior gene” is not the only gene that affects our behavior and personality. Many other genes influence our neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain structures, and they can either enhance or counteract the effects of the “Warrior gene”. For example, the COMT gene, which is involved in the breakdown of dopamine, can modulate the risk-taking behavior of people with the low-activity variant of the MAOA gene.

• Gender: The “Warrior gene” is located on the X chromosome, which means that men have only one copy of it, while women have two copies. This means that men are more likely to express the effects of the “Warrior gene”, while women are more likely to have a balanced or mixed effect. However, women can also be affected by the “Warrior gene”, especially during certain phases of their menstrual cycle, when their oestrogen levels are low and their MAOA activity is reduced.

The “Warrior gene” is a fascinating and controversial topic that raises many questions and debates about the nature and nurture of our behavior and personality. It is a gene that can influence our behavior, but not determine it. It is a gene that can have positive or negative effects, depending on the context and the circumstances. It is a gene that can be used or abused, depending on the purpose and the perspective. It is, indeed, the “Warrior gene”.