Marinus H. van IJzendoorn|Marian J. Bakermans?Kranenburg
Genetic differential susceptibility on trial: Meta-analytic support from randomized controlled experiments
Leiden University|Leiden University
abstract stringent test differential susceptibility theory provided randomized control trials examining moderating role genetic markers differential susceptibility experimental manipulations environment gene experimental environment interactions least 10 times powerful correlational gene environment interaction studies identified 22 experiments involving 3257 participants various developmental outcomes eg externalizing problems internalizing behaviors cognitive development effect sizes contrasting experimental versus control group computed subjects polymorphism considered indicative heightened susceptibility eg dopamine receptor d4 gene sevenrepeat allele serotonin transporter polymorphic region short allele others expected low susceptibility eg dopamine receptor d4 gene fourrepeat allele serotonin transporter polymorphic region short allele clearcut experimental support genetic differential susceptibility emerged combined effect size interventions susceptible genotypes amounted r 33 95 confidence interval 023 042 p lt 01 versus nonsignificant r 08 95 confidence interval 002 017 p 12 hypothesized nonsusceptible genotypes macrotrials showed evidence genetic differential susceptibility microtrials differential susceptibility clearly observed trials externalizing cognitive outcomes internalizing problems metaanalysis shows proof principle genetic differential susceptibility indicates time explore mechanisms limits concept differential susceptibility alters idea constitutional risk factors reactive temperament risk genotypes points intervention efficacy hidden gene environment interactions