The nature and nurture of social development: The role of 5-HTTLPR and gene-parenting interactions

J Fam Psychol. 2019 Dec;33(8):927-937. doi: 10.1037/fam0000572. Epub 2019 Aug 15.

Abstract

Social skills are traditionally viewed as acquired through social environments including parenting. However, biopsychosocial models highlight the importance of genetic influences and gene-environment interactions (G×Es) in child development. Extant G×E investigations often fail to account for developmental changes in the phenotype or rigorously assess the social environment using observational measures. The present study prospectively assessed 110 children (44.5% female) and their parents to explore biologically plausible independent and interactive associations of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and observed positive and negative parenting in prediction of (a) initial levels of social skills at school entry (age 6 years) and (b) developmental changes in social skills across the early school years (ages 6-9 years). Overall, the SS (vs. SL/LL) 5-HTTLPR genotype inversely predicted social skills across all domains, although parenting behavior moderated these associations wherein putative G×E effects differed by developmental timing and social skills domain. Positive parenting positively predicted concurrent (age 6) overall social skills for children with SL/LL genotypes, but not the SS genotype. However, for the SS group only, age 6 positive parenting positively predicted prospective growth in social responsibility, although negative parenting positively predicted growth in social cooperation. Findings suggest that 5-HTTLPR may signal differential sensitivities to parenting styles and patterns of social development, which may help to inform targeted intervention approaches to enhance person-environment fit. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Development*
  • Female
  • Gene-Environment Interaction*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Parenting*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Social Skills*

Substances

  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins