Spangler G, Johann M, Ronai Z, Zimmermann P (2009)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2009
Original Authors: Spangler Gottfried, Johann Monika, Ronai Zsolt, Zimmermann Peter
Publisher: Wiley
Book Volume: 50
Pages Range: 952-961
Journal Issue: 8
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02054.x
BACKGROUND: Empirical studies demonstrate that maternal sensitivity is associated with attachment security in infancy, while maternal frightening/frightened behavior is related to attachment disorganization. However, attachment disorganization is also predicted by individual dispositions in infancy. Indeed, recent studies indicate a link between attachment disorganization and DRD4 gene polymorphisms, thus suggesting a genetic vulnerability for attachment disorganization. The aims of our study were twofold, to test a) a possible direct link between molecular genetic variations and attachment disorganization, and b) a possible gene-environment interaction with a moderating effect of early maternal caregiving. METHODS: Attachment security and disorganization, as well as quality of maternal behavior were assessed in the infants of the Regensburg Longitudinal Study IV (N = 106) at the age of 12 months. DNA samples were collected in order to assess the exon III repeat polymorphism in the coding region and the -521 C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the regulatory region of the DRD4 gene and a repeat polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene. RESULTS: Significant associations were found between attachment disorganization and the short polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene. Also, a gene-environment interaction indicated that this genetic association was only valid for infants of mothers exhibiting low responsiveness. No other significant genetic associations with attachment disorganization were apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests a gene-environment interaction whereby biological determinants of attachment disorganization are moderated by social experiences. Different pathways of the development of attachment disorganization are discussed based on a bio-behavioral model of development.
APA:
Spangler, G., Johann, M., Ronai, Z., & Zimmermann, P. (2009). Genetic and environmental influence on attachment disorganization. The journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 50(8), 952-961. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02054.x
MLA:
Spangler, Gottfried, et al. "Genetic and environmental influence on attachment disorganization." The journal of child psychology and psychiatry 50.8 (2009): 952-961.
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