Genetic and gene–environment interaction effects on preschoolers' social behaviors

Abstract

This study examined effects from a specific dopamine receptor gene (DRD4), environmental influences from parents and peers, and the interaction between them, on aggressive and prosocial behaviors of preschoolers. Children were classified as DRD4‐L (n = 27) if they had at least one DRD4 allele with six to eight repeats and as DRD4‐S (n = 35) if not. Parent–child interactions were coded when children were 3–4 years old. Peer interaction data and parent questionnaires were collected at age 5. DRD4‐L children shared less with each other and parents were less sensitive during parent–twin triadic interactions. Also, genotype interacted with peer aggression to affect children's aggression during a peer play interaction at age 5, and genotype interacted with prior parental sensitivity to affect later externalizing problems. Thus, children having a certain genetic disposition may be more sensitive to certain environmental stimuli and therefore more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors under more stressful circumstances. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 451–464, 2009