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Gene-environment interaction between peer victimization and child aggression

Mara Brendgen1, Michel Boivin, Frank Vitaro

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Québec at Montreal, CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada. Brendgen.Mara@uqam.ca

Development and Psychopathology
|April 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Peer victimization increases aggression risk, but genetic predisposition matters differently for boys and girls. This study found gene-environment interactions in girls, but not boys, regarding aggression.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Peer victimization is a significant risk factor for child aggression.
  • The diathesis-stress model suggests genetic vulnerabilities interact with environmental stressors like victimization.
  • Individual differences exist in children's responses to peer victimization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gene-environment interaction between peer victimization and genetic risk for aggression in children.
  • To examine if genetic predisposition moderates the association between peer victimization and aggressive behavior.
  • To explore potential sex differences in the gene-environment interplay.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a sample of 506 6-year-old twin pairs.
  • Assessed peer victimization via peer nominations.
  • Measured aggressive behavior using peer and teacher reports.
  • Estimated genetic risk for aggression based on co-twin's aggression and zygosity.

Main Results:

  • Peer victimization was identified as an environmentally driven variable, independent of genetic disposition.
  • A significant gene-environment interaction was found between peer victimization and genetic risk for aggression in girls.
  • For boys, peer victimization was directly associated with aggression, irrespective of genetic risk.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic factors moderate the impact of peer victimization on aggression in girls, supporting the diathesis-stress model.
  • Environmental factors, specifically peer victimization, directly influence aggression in boys regardless of genetic risk.
  • Differential socialization experiences in male and female peer groups may explain the observed sex differences.

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