Gene-environment interaction of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) and observed maternal insensitivity predicting externalizing behavior in preschoolers
Abstract
Previous studies have related aggression and other externalizing problems in children to either dopamine D4 receptor polymorphisms or harsh and insensitive parenting. In this study it was determined whether the combination of the DRD4 7-repeat polymorphism and maternal insensitivity predicted significantly more externalizing behavior in preschoolers. The results pointed to a gene-environment interaction effect: maternal insensitivity was associated with externalizing (oppositional, aggressive) behaviors, but only in the presence of the DRD4 7-repeat polymorphism. The increase in externalizing behaviors in children with the 7-repeat allele exposed to insensitive care compared to children without these combined risks was sixfold. The data indicate that children are differentially susceptible to insensitive parenting dependent on the presence of the 7-repeat DRD4 allele.
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In a study on the Dutch Twin Registry sample, a significant DRD4 VNTR-by-maternal sensitivity interaction was observed.
“In a study on the Dutch Twin Registry sample, a significant VNTR-by-maternal sensitivity interaction was observed.”
From Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as [83]
Larger repeat allele (7 R or 6-8 R)-carrying DRD4 genotypes were associated with higher externalizing behaviors or aggression compared to 7 R non-carrying genotypes only in the context of maternal insensitivity, high maternal prenatal stress, or low-aggression peer play environment.
“More specifically, larger repeat allele (7 R or 6-8 R)-carrying genotypes were associated with higher externalizing behaviors or aggression compared to 7 R non-carrying genotypes (e.g., 2–4 R) only in the context of maternal insensitivity [83], high maternal prenatal stress [84], or low-aggression peer play environment [85].”
From Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as [83]
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- Authors
- Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & van IJzendoorn, M. H.
- Venue
- Developmental Psychobiology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2006
- Volume
- 48
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 406-409
- ISSN
- 0012-1630 (ISSN-L)
- 1098-2302
- OpenAlex
- W2108700328
- Cited by
- 526
- References
- 27
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 88 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 33 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 51 · 2014: 30 · 2013: 37 · 2012: 40
- FWCI
- 24.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Developmental Psychobiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Keywords
- gene-environment interaction, dopamine D4 receptor, externalizing problems, aggression, preschool children, differential susceptibility
- MeSH terms
- Alleles, Child Behavior, Child, Preschool, Environment, Female, Humans, Infant, Male, Maternal Behavior, Mother-Child Relations, Polymorphism, Genetic, Parenting, DNA Primers, Observation, Receptors, Dopamine D4
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