Genetic differential sensitivity to social environments: implications for research.

TitleGenetic differential sensitivity to social environments: implications for research.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsMitchell, C, McLanahan, S, Brooks-Gunn, J, Garfinkel, I, Hobcraft, J, Notterman, D
JournalAm J Public Health
Volume103 Suppl 1
IssueSuppl 1
PaginationS102-10
Date Published2013 Oct
ISSN1541-0048
KeywordsGene-Environment Interaction, Genetic Markers, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genetic Research, Humans, Models, Biological, Primary Prevention, Social Environment
Abstract

<p>Researchers have proposed a genetic differential sensitivity to social environmental (GDSE) model positing that individuals with certain genetic makeups are more sensitive to favorable and unfavorable environmental influences than those without these genetic makeups. We discuss several issues facing researchers who want to use GDSE to examine health: (1) the need for greater theorizing about the social environment to properly understand the size and direction of environmental influences; (2) the potential for combining multiple genetic markers to measure an individual's genetic sensitivity to environmental influence; (3) how this model and exogenous shocks deal with gene-environment correlations; (4) implications of this model for public health and prevention; and (5) how life course and developmental theories may be used to inform GDSE research.</p>

DOI10.2105/AJPH.2013.301382
Alternate JournalAm J Public Health
PubMed ID23927507
PubMed Central IDPMC4012542
Grant ListR01HD39135 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD039135 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01HD36916 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD036916 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01HD40421 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD076592 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD040421 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R24 HD058486 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States