Abstract
We tested the differential susceptibility hypothesis with respect to connections between interactions in the family of origin and subsequent behaviors with romantic partners. Focal or target participants (G2) in an ongoing longitudinal study ( N = 352) were observed interacting with their parents (G1) during adolescence and again with their romantic partners in adulthood. Independent observers rated positive engagement and hostility by G1 and G2 during structured interaction tasks. We created an index for hypothesized genetic plasticity by summing G2’s allelic variation for polymorphisms in five genes (5-HTT, ANKK1/DRD2, DRD4, DAT, and COMT). Consistent with the differential susceptibility hypothesis, G2s exposed to more hostile and positively engaged parenting behaviors during adolescence were more hostile or positively engaged to a romantic partner if they had higher scores on the genetic plasticity index. In short, genetic factors moderated the connection between earlier experiences in the family of origin and future romantic relationship behaviors, for better and for worse.
| Original language | American English |
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| State | Published - 10 Oct 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 5th Annual Integrating Genetics and the Social Sciences Conference - Duration: 10 Oct 2014 → … |
Conference
| Conference | 5th Annual Integrating Genetics and the Social Sciences Conference |
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| Period | 10/10/14 → … |
Keywords
- differential susceptibility
- gene by environment interaction (GxE)
- parenting
- romantic relationships
EGS Disciplines
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology