Demisexuality, an orientation where sexual attraction requires a strong emotional bond, is an area of study that remains under-researched. This paper proposes a framework focused on the role of epigenetics in governing this unique pattern of attraction. To investigate this, a higher-order adaptive network model was developed to simulate how sustained socioemotional connection could modulate neural pathways and genetic expression. The model's simulations demonstrate that a sustained emotional bond can create the necessary conditions for epigenetic modifications specifically involving the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) which in turn enable the development of sexual attraction. This testable model provides falsifiable predictions for future empirical studies.

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The Role of Epigenetics in Demisexuality: A Higher-Order Adaptive Network Model

  • Kamil K. Pulchny,
  • Sophie C. F. Hendrikse,
  • Jan Treur

摘要

Demisexuality, an orientation where sexual attraction requires a strong emotional bond, is an area of study that remains under-researched. This paper proposes a framework focused on the role of epigenetics in governing this unique pattern of attraction. To investigate this, a higher-order adaptive network model was developed to simulate how sustained socioemotional connection could modulate neural pathways and genetic expression. The model's simulations demonstrate that a sustained emotional bond can create the necessary conditions for epigenetic modifications specifically involving the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) which in turn enable the development of sexual attraction. This testable model provides falsifiable predictions for future empirical studies.