At a Glance
Summary
The ‘Empathy’ report was a fun exploration into the genetics of empathy, which forms a major part of our personality. While genetic personality testing is still a very new and largely unknown area, it was clear from the research they discussed that there was a solid link between the OXTR gene and how empathetic we are disposed to be. I enjoyed taking the empathy tests they linked to, which I felt gave more credence to my genetic result. I’d recommend the test as a fun way to learn about how your genetics influence who you are, and to learn more about the science behind empathy.
Full Review
Gemetrics is a sister company of Instant Chemistry, a biotechnology company specialising in genetic dating since 2013. The companies are headed by co-founders Dr Sara Seabrooke and Dr Ron Gonzalez. Gemetrics offers genetic personality testing, and their genetic ‘Empathy’ test is available on Genejar.
Product Expectations
I could order Gemetrics’ ‘Empathy’ report through the Genejar website, using my genetic data from 23andMe. The test would look at just one of the many thousands of genetic variants contained in my raw data, which they would analyse and interpret to find my genetic predisposition for empathy.
In the report, I would learn how a variation in my OXTR gene affects my empathy and how I handle stress, and the influence of foetal testosterone on empathetic ability.
Ordering Experience
It was simple to order Gemetrics’ Empathy report through Genejar. As I already had a Genejar account and uploaded my 23andMe data, I was able to add the product to my cart and check out using a billing address and credit/debit card. I was required to read and agree to Gemetrics’ terms and conditions before completing my order.
I soon after received an order confirmation email from Genejar, and received my results the next day. I could access the results via my Genejar account, and clicking the link in my results email took me directly to the Genejar site, where my report was automatically downloaded.
The Results
The report was in a printable PDF format, and began by explaining the role of the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin in affecting empathy. The gene OXTR affected how well our oxytocin receptor interacts with oxytocin, which in turn affects empathy.
I read that people with the GG version of the gene have greater empathy than people with the AG or AA version. Scrolling back up, I found my result on the front page of the report: I was the GG genotype, associated with greater empathy (shown below).
My version of the genetic variant in OXTR associated with empathy.
I read that a mutation in the OXTR gene became associated with empathy in 2009, when participants who had this gene tested were asked to complete a test called “Reading the Mind in the Eyes”, which asked them to judge how a person was feeling just by looking at a picture of their eyes. People with the GG version of the genetic variant scored higher than those with AA or AG (shown below).
The empathy test conducted on people with different variants in the OXTR gene.
There was a link to take the test myself, and I found I scored 30/36, which was higher than 80% of participants. This (and my own life experience) gave me pretty solid faith in Gemetrics’ Empathy test!
In the information, I read that foetal testosterone levels also impact empathy in men with the GG variant. Men exposed to lower testosterone levels scored more highly than those with higher foetal testosterone levels with the genotype GG, while testosterone levels had no impact on the scores of men with the A variant. Foetal testosterone can be told by measuring the difference in length between the ring and index fingers. People whose ring fingers are longer have been exposed to higher foetal testosterone (shown below).
How foetal testosterone levels can be told through finger ratios.
Another study showed that individuals with the A variant had lower empathy scores on an interpersonal reactivity index assessment. This was a self-reflective test asking participants to score themselves on a scale of high to low in different situations, regarding things like other people’s perspectives, concern for others, and situational anxiety. There was a link to complete the test yourself, though there was no result given at the end.
Other research showed that individuals with the GG genotype showed enhanced emotional processing in the brain, while individuals with the A variant displayed a lower physiological response to violent videos.
A side effect of the GG variant was that carriers feel more personal distress in stressful situations, and so individuals with AA or AG may be better suited to high-stress jobs. Additionally, the environment and culture we grow up in affect how empathetic we are.
The report ended with a reference list of the scientific papers they had used.
Summary
The ‘Empathy’ report was a fun exploration into the genetics of empathy, which forms a major part of our personality. While genetic personality testing is still a very new and largely unknown area, it was clear from the research they discussed that there was a solid link between the OXTR gene and how empathetic we are disposed to be. I enjoyed taking the empathy tests they linked to, which I felt gave more credence to my genetic result. I’d recommend the test as a fun way to learn about how your genetics influence who you are, and to learn more about the science behind empathy.
At a Glance
Summary
I would strongly recommend the Gemetrics test to anyone who wants to know themselves better. Even though my three results in isolation didn’t always seem right, the overall analysis was extremely accurate, reflecting my strengths and the weaknesses I’ve had to compensate for.
It was a shame that the scientific sources weren’t cited, and I would have been interested to see how the eight personality types were put together.
All in all, I felt the T-shirt and report from Gemetrics were great value for money and would make a great gift.
Full Review
Gemetrics were offering a DNA-based personality test that would reveal my personality type, and I’d receive a customised T-shirt to display it! I have to admit that the geek in me loves this idea, and I was fascinated to see which personality type my DNA lends itself toward.
Product Expectations
The Gemetrics website explained that three neurotransmitters (Serotonin, Dopamine and Oxytocin) influence our core personality. I learned that by analysing genes related to these transmitters, Gemetrics can predict my personality type. Eight different personality types had been charted, each one based on the genetic variations I possess (see below):
The eight different personality types.
On another page, a detailed description of these personality types was given (see below):
Descriptions of each personality type.
It was great to see such clear descriptions, especially as most genetic test results can be a bit dry. It was also good to see how much effort had gone into the logos – most genetic testing companies have a blind spot when it comes to design. It would have been interesting to read a bit more about how these eight personality types were derived, but I couldn’t find any details on the site.
Ordering Experience
The ordering experience was fantastic. It was really simple to order and the shipping cost was low (I ordered from the UK). Most refreshing of all, I didn’t have to wait for a sample collection kit to be mailed to me. All I had to do was print an order form, lick the blank space indicated (to provide a saliva sample) and pop the form in the post.
The Results
A few weeks later I received my T-shirt in the post and was emailed an eight page PDF report. The analysis of my DNA showed I was a ‘Visionary’, and having reviewed the eight personality types, I have to admit that this was the type I most identified with, although I would have been happy with ‘Director’ or ‘Inventor’ too.
The T-shirt was a perfect fit, very comfortable, and looked exactly as shown on the site (see below):
How the Visionary T-shirt was shown on the site.
From reading the PDF, I learned that serotonin affects our well-being and happiness, that oxytocin affects how empathetic we are to others, and that dopamine influences our desire to seek out new sensations and experiences.
The report went on to look at my result for each gene. For serotonin – the gene SLC6A4 – I learned that I had the ‘long’ version of this gene which made me ‘Practical’, and that other people who possess this gene tend not to respond strongly to emotional changes in their lives. I have to say that I haven’t found this to be the case, and numerous examples of strong emotional reactions come to mind. I was also curious to know if I carried one or two copies of the long version, but this info wasn’t shown. My serotonin result is shown below:
My serotonin result.
For dopamine – the gene DRD4 – I’d been classified as a ‘Builder’ as I have the 7R- version of this gene. Those who possess this version tend to be more risk averse and less extroverted and impulsive. It went on to say that this version should make me more sensible and that I should exhibit good judgement. Again, I have to say that this doesn’t line up with my personal experience!
For oxytocin – the gene OXTR – I’d been deemed a ‘Thinker’ because I carry the ‘A’ version of this gene. I learned that those who possess this variation tend to have more difficulty interpreting other people’s emotions. On the flip side, I learned that this can be beneficial for those in stressful jobs as they’re able to make quicker decisions. Although I work hard to be perceptive when it comes to people, I have to say that this result is spot on for me.
The next section of the report went on to explain what it means to be a genetic visionary, the personality type derived from my three results described above. A visionary is eternally optimistic, has high ideals, and is someone who wants to make a difference. I have to say that as the person who started this website, this describes me exactly!
Apparently the combination of my serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin results makes me practical, hard-working, decisive, and causes me not to worry too much about what other people think of me. The report went on to say that genetic visionaries tend to work in advertising and the film industry which is uncanny as I spent the first 10 years of my career in online marketing!
Summary
I would strongly recommend the Gemetrics test to anyone who wants to know themselves better. Even though my three results in isolation didn’t always seem right, the overall analysis was extremely accurate, reflecting my strengths and the weaknesses I’ve had to compensate for.
It was a shame that the scientific sources weren’t cited, and I would have been interested to see how the eight personality types were put together.
All in all, I felt the T-shirt and report from Gemetrics were great value for money and would make a great gift.
Please note that we were invited to take this test free of charge.