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Endogenous opioids activate brain reward systems and are thought to influence social attachment. A “gain-of-function” variant in the mu-opioid receptor gene (A118G on OPRM1, with the G allele seen mostly in whites) may increase individuals' propensity to experience reward. To study the possible effect of this variant on the quality of child–parent relationships, researchers examined 238 white children participating in a community study of family function and parenting.
One third of children with genotyping had at least one G allele. Compared with A/A children, these children reported greater enjoyment of and fewer arguments in their parental relations — but only if their parents self-reported serious problems (mental health, substance use, o…