Our current results propose an association between a SNP in OXTR (rs7632287) and pair-bonding behavior in adult and adolescent women as well as with measures of social problems in childhood, both reflected through normal variation in behavior as well as with measures of autism spectrum traits. The rs7632287 SNP was significantly associated with two different measures of pair-bonding related behaviors including the Partner Bonding Scale as well as the affection subscale from the Relationship Quality Survey. Furthermore, when investigating the influence of the rs7632287 SNP on marital problems assessed by the women and the quality of the marital relationship described by their spouses significant associations were detected. We also showed that in girls, the rs7632287 SNP was associated with childhood social problems (which longitudinally predict behavior in romantic relationships in early adulthood). Finally, the rs7632287 SNP was shown to be associated with social problems and autism related traits. Taken together, these results are congruent with previous quantitative genetics research showing genetic influences on marital outcomes (67), social problems (68) and autism spectrum disorders (69).
