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Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR), environmental conditions, and developing negative emotionality

Ursula Pauli-Pott1, Susann Friedel, Susann Friedl

  • 1Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 36, 35392, Giessen, Germany. ursula.pauli-pott@psycho.med.uni-giessen.de

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Infants with the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) s/s genotype and insecure attachment showed increased negative emotionality. This suggests heightened susceptibility to early rearing experiences in these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and environmental factors are implicated in infant emotionality.
  • Empirical studies on human infants examining these interactions are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between 5-HTTLPR genotype and maternal parenting quality on infant negative emotionality and fear.
  • To assess the impact of early rearing experiences on infant emotional development in relation to genetic predisposition.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed negative emotionality and fear in 69 infants at 4, 8, and 12 months using a multi-method approach.
  • Operationalized parenting quality via the strange situation procedure to measure mother-infant attachment at 18 months.
  • Genotyped infants for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism.

Main Results:

  • Infants homozygous for the s-variant of 5-HTTLPR (s/s genotype) who exhibited insecure attachment showed significantly higher levels of negative emotionality and fear.
  • This finding aligns with non-human primate models, indicating a gene-environment interaction.

Conclusions:

  • Early rearing experiences, particularly insecure attachment, can exacerbate negative emotionality and fear in infants with the 5-HTTLPR s/s genotype.
  • Infants carrying the 5-HTTLPR s/s genotype may be more susceptible to adverse early life experiences.

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