1-184 - The Role of Culture and Biology on Development: Insights from Genetics, Neuroscience, and Biomarkers of Stress

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Culture and biology are in a constant interplay at the genetic and neurobiological level. Notably, research on how different forms of biology by culture interplay shape normal and abnormal adolescent behavior is scarce. The interdisciplinary examination of the interplay of culture and biology may significantly improve our understanding of the development of adaptation and maladaptation in culturally diverse youth. The goal of this symposium is to promote discussion about adolescent-focused research at the cultural and biological level of analysis. Three talks will be presented by researchers from diverse areas of inquiry, including gene by culture interactions, cultural neuroscience, and biological markers of stress. The first talk will present data on differential susceptibility to acculturation by examining genetic variation in Asian and Latino adolescents. Results show significant gene-culture correlations, supporting the gene-culture coevolution theory. The second talk will present data on how genotype interacts with environmental stressors to affect dysregualted physiology. Results indicate that African Americans show blunted cortisol awakening response when experiencing greater perceived stress. The third talk presents data on differences in behavioral and neural processes underlying cognitive control in Chinese and European adolescents. Results indicate that Chinese individuals engage in improved cognitive control over time, whereas European Americans’ performance significantly declines. Such behavioral patterns are complimented by differences in neural activation over time. The discussant, an expert in culture and biological measurement, will integrate the findings of each study and discuss how they contribute to our understanding of youths’ adjustment within a cultural context.

Sub Unit

• Biological Processes

Chair

• Eva H Telzer, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Discussant

• Andrew J Fuligni, University of California, Los Angeles

Individual Presentations

• Is There Differential Susceptibility to Acculturation? Examining Culture and Biology Interplay in the Development of Immigrants - Presenting Author: José M. Causadias, Hamilton College; Moin Syed, University of Minnesota; Dante Cicchetti, University of Minnesota

• Stress and Drug-Use Vulnerability in the African American Community - Presenting Author: Ezemenari Obasi, University of Houston

• Persistence Versus Giving Up: Cultural Differences in Behavioral and Neural Processes Underlying Cognitive Control - Presenting Author: Eva H Telzer, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Yang Qu, Univ of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign