Work

Research Review: Genetic vulnerability or differential susceptibility in child development: the case of attachment

Year: 2007

Type: review

Abstract: Gene-environment interactions interpreted in terms of differential susceptibility may play a large part in the explanation of individual differences in human development. Reviewing studies on the behavioral and molecular genetics of attachment, we present evidence for interactions between genetic and environmental factors explaining individual differences in attachment security and disorganization. In particular, the DRD4 7-repeat polymorphism seems associated with an increased risk for disorganized attachment, but only when combined with environmental risk. Gene-environment (G x E) interactions may be interpreted as genetic vulnerability or differential susceptibility. We found support for the differential susceptibility hypothesis predicting not only more negative outcomes for susceptible children in unfavorable environments, but also positive outcomes for susceptible children in favorable environments.

Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2007.01801.x

Authors: Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg, Marinus H. Van IJzendoorn

Institution: Leiden University

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek