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Genetic and environmental influence on attachment disorganization
Author(s) -
Spangler Gottfried,
Johann Monika,
Ronai Zsolt,
Zimmermann Peter
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of child psychology and psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.652
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1469-7610
pISSN - 0021-9630
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02054.x
Subject(s) - serotonin transporter , psychology , single nucleotide polymorphism , gene , developmental psychology , maternal sensitivity , gene–environment interaction , snp , genetics , genotype , biology
Background: Empirical studies demonstrate that maternal sensitivity is associated with attachment security in infancy, while maternal frightening/frightened behavior is related to attachment disorganization. However, attachment disorganization is also predicted by individual dispositions in infancy. Indeed, recent studies indicate a link between attachment disorganization and DRD4 gene polymorphisms, thus suggesting a genetic vulnerability for attachment disorganization. The aims of our study were twofold, to test a) a possible direct link between molecular genetic variations and attachment disorganization, and b) a possible gene–environment interaction with a moderating effect of early maternal caregiving. Methods: Attachment security and disorganization, as well as quality of maternal behavior were assessed in the infants of the Regensburg Longitudinal Study IV ( N = 106) at the age of 12 months. DNA samples were collected in order to assess the exon III repeat polymorphism in the coding region and the −521 C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the regulatory region of the DRD4 gene and a repeat polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene. Results: Significant associations were found between attachment disorganization and the short polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene. Also, a gene–environment interaction indicated that this genetic association was only valid for infants of mothers exhibiting low responsiveness. No other significant genetic associations with attachment disorganization were apparent. Conclusions: The study suggests a gene–environment interaction whereby biological determinants of attachment disorganization are moderated by social experiences. Different pathways of the development of attachment disorganization are discussed based on a bio‐behavioral model of development.