Extending Interactional Theory Propositions to Incorporate Genetic Differential Susceptibility

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Propositions from interactional theory are examined regarding parenting, peers, and substance use across developmental stages, while also advancing propositions about these associations by proposing and testing genetic differential susceptibility hypotheses. The genetic differential susceptibility hypothesis suggests that particular genetic alleles increase individuals’ sensitivity to social environments, both nurturing and harsh. Three waves of prospective longitudinal data from the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) were analyzed to test hypotheses. Assuming interactional theory’s predictions hold true that parental attachment would matter in late childhood/early adolescence and peers would matter beginning in mid-to-late adolescence, the research question driving this project is: is the relationship between parental attachment and substance use, and substance using peers and substance use, moderated by sensitivity alleles adolescents’ possess?
The analysis sample contains genetic information on DRD4 and 5HTTLPR, as well as complete data on 467 respondents from waves 2 through 4. Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to predict a binary measure of substance use during mid-adolescence and late adolescence/early adulthood. Results and implications for interactional theory and gene X environment research on substance use are discussed, various limitations are acknowledged, and future research directions are identified.

Authors

• Elise Costa, University of Florida

• Chris Gibson, University of Florida

• Ronald L. Simons, University of Georgia