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A novel differential susceptibility gene: CHRNA4 and moderation of the effect of maltreatment on child personality
Author(s) -
Grazioplene Rachael G.,
DeYoung Colin G.,
Rogosch Fred A.,
Cicchetti Dante
Publication year - 2013
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/jcpp.12031
Subject(s) - psychology , neuroticism , extraversion and introversion , openness to experience , personality , big five personality traits , developmental psychology , conscientiousness , clinical psychology , social psychology
Background: The differential susceptibility hypothesis states that some genetic variants that confer risk in adverse environments are beneficial in normal or nurturing environments. The cholinergic system is promising as a source of susceptibility genes because of its involvement in learning and neural plasticity. The cholinergic receptor gene CHRNA4 has been linked to characteristics related to the personality traits Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect. Methods: The effects of interaction between CHRNA4 genotype and maltreatment status on child personality were examined in a well matched sample of 339 maltreated and 275 non‐maltreated children (aged 8–13 years). Results: Variation in CHRNA4 interacted with childhood maltreatment to predict personality in a manner indicating differential susceptibility. The interaction of CHRNA4 and maltreatment status predicted Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect. Maltreated children with the rs1044396 T/T genotype scored highest on Neuroticism and showed no effect of genotype on Openness/Intellect. Non‐maltreated children with this genotype scored lowest on Neuroticism and highest on Openness/Intellect. Conclusion: Variation in CHRNA4 appears to contribute to personality by affecting degree of developmental sensitivity to both normal and adverse environments.