As a species, humans like to think that we are fully in control of our decisions and behavior. But just below the surface, forces beyond our conscious control influence how we think and behave: our genes.
Author
Jessica D. Ayers
Assistant Professor of Psychological Science, Boise State University
, scientists have been studying the . This has led and to advocate for the use of to personalize diagnosis and treatment of diseases, leading to quicker .
But the influence of genes on psychology has been overlooked.
addresses how genes influence human psychology and behavior. Here are some specific ways to better understand human behavior – and potentially advance the treatment of psychological issues.
What do genes have to do with it?
proposes that though our genes blend together to make us who we are, they retain markers indicating whether they came from mom or dad. These markers cause the genes to as we grow and develop. Research in genetic conflict primarily focuses on pregnancy, since this is one of the few times in human development when the influence of different sets of genes can be clearly observed in one individual.
Typically, maternal and paternal genes have different ideal strategies for growth and development. While genes from mom and dad ultimately find ways to cooperate with one another that result in normal growth and development, these genes benefit by to be slightly more in line with what’s optimal for the parent they come from. Genes from mom try to keep mom healthy and with enough resources left for another pregnancy, while genes from dad benefit from the fetus taking all of mom’s resources for itself.
When genes are not able to compromise, however, this can result in such as physical and mental deficits for the baby or even miscarriage.
While genetic conflict is a normal occurrence, its influence has largely been overlooked in psychology. One reason is because researchers for the health and well-being of the individual. Another reason is because most human traits are . For example, height is determined by a combination of , and skin color is determined by .
The complex nature of psychology and behavior makes it hard to pinpoint the unique influence of a single gene, let alone which parent it came from. Take, for example, depression. Not only is the likelihood of developing depression influenced by , it is also affected by environmental inputs such as . Researchers have also studied similar complex interactions for .
Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes
When researchers study genetic conflict, they have typically focused on , unintentionally documenting the influence of genetic conflict on psychology.
Specifically, researchers have studied how extreme instances of genetic conflict – such as when the influence of one set of parental genes is fully expressed while the other set is completely silenced – are associated with changes in behavior by studying people who have Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome.
Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes are rare genetic disorders affecting about and people around the world, respectfully. There is currently no long-term treatment available for either condition.
These syndromes develop in patients that is needed for balanced growth and development. Someone who inherits only the version of the gene from their dad will develop Angelman syndrome, while someone who has only the version of the gene from their mom will develop Prader-Willi syndrome.
include major developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, trouble moving, trouble eating and excessive smiling. include diminished muscle tone, feeding difficulties, hormone deficiencies, short stature and extreme overeating in childhood.
These syndromes represent one of the few instances where the influence of a single missing gene can be clearly observed. While both and syndromes are associated with language, cognitive, eating and sleeping issues, they are also associated with clear differences in psychology and behavior.
For example, children with Angelman syndrome and generally want to . These behaviors are associated with an and investment from those around them.
Children with Prader-Willi syndrome, on the other hand, experience , and have . These behaviors are associated with increased hardships on mothers early in the individual’s life, potentially delaying when their mother will have another child. This would therefore such as food and parental attention.
Genetic conflict in psychology and behavior
Angelman syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome highlight the importance of investigating genetic conflict’s influence on psychology and behavior. Researchers have documented differences in temperament, sociability, mental health in these disorders.
The differences in the psychological processes between these syndromes are similar to the proposed effects of genetic conflict. Genetic conflict influences attachment by determining the through differences in behavior and resource needs. This relationship begins forming while the child is and helps calibrate how . While this calibration of responses starts at a purely biological level in the womb, it results in unique patterns of that influence everything from how we to .
Since most scientists don’t consider the influence of genetic conflict on human behavior, much of this research is still theoretical. Researchers have had to find similarities across disciplines to see how the biological process of genetic conflict influences psychological processes. Research on Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes is only one example of how integrating a genetic conflict framework into psychological research can provide researchers an avenue to study how our biology makes us uniquely human.
Jessica D. Ayers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
