Child dopamine active transporter 1 genotype and parenting: Evidence for evocative gene–environment correlations. (11th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hayden, Elizabeth P.; Hanna, Brigitte; Sheikh, Haroon I.; Laptook, Rebecca S.; Kim, Jiyon; Singh, Shiva M.; Klein, Daniel N.
• Editors: Knafo, Ariel; Jaffee, Sara R.
• Is Part Of: Development and psychopathology. Volume 25:Number 1(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2013-02-11
• Subjects: Child psychopathology -- Periodicals; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 618.9289
• DOI: 10.1017/S0954579412000971
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-5794

Abstract

Abstract: The dopamine active transporter 1 ( DAT1 ) gene is implicated in psychopathology risk. Although the processes by which this gene exerts its effects on risk are poorly understood, a small body of research suggests that the DAT1 gene influences early emerging negative emotionality, a marker of children's psychopathology risk. As child negative emotionality evokes negative parenting practices, the DAT1 gene may also play a role in gene–environment correlations. To test this model, children ( N = 365) were genotyped for the DAT1 gene and participated in standardized parent–child interaction tasks with their primary caregiver. The DAT1 gene 9-repeat variant was associated with child negative affect expressed toward the parent during parent–child interactions, and parents of children with a 9-repeat allele exhibited more hostility and lower guidance/engagement than parents of children without a 9-repeat allele. These gene–environment associations were partially mediated by child negative affect toward the parent. The findings implicate a specific polymorphism in eliciting negative parenting, suggesting that evocative associations play a role in elevating children's risk for emotional trajectories toward psychopathology risk.